title: [The special requirements of old age in terms of dying].
abstract: It is expected that the rising average life expectancy will leave ever more people with chronic progressive diseases of the body and brain. This then means not only having to deal with increasingly longer periods of care, but also possibly distinct neurocognitive disorders in the years prior to death and dying. The aim of this study is to report epidemiological data on the causes of death, as well as on the places of death. In addition, the attitudes and behaviour towards death and dying, as well as the different places of death will be discussed. Expecting support in the process of dying, as well as factors that have a more conducive effect on the internal processing of dying, are mentioned. At the same time, the attitudes and behaviours in respect of the accompaniment of dying people, which can be seen in the staff in clinical inpatient facilities, are addressed. Personal intense grappling with dying and death actually has a positive effect on these behaviours and attitudes. Finally, the contribution turns to the question of to what extent the theory of compression of morbidity may be perceived as valid, especially in view of the rising average life expectancy. It is emphasised that chronic diseases, even when no functional loss is present, place not only great demands on the patient, but also on the care system and financial resources. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that frailty can often cause mental disorders. Specific requirements with a view to the care of people with dementia are given.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Gerontologie, Universität Heidelberg, Bergheimer Straße 20, 69115, Heidelberg, Deutschland. andreas.kruse@gero.uni-heidelberg.de.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kruse
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000523:psychology*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000523:psychology*; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000523:psychology*; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019452:Terminally Ill / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Compression of morbidity; Dementia; Frailty; Life expectancy; Palliative and end-of-life care