title: [Centenarians preparing for the end of life?]
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The population of centenarians has grown immensely in Germany but has yet hardly been considered in research on dying and death. Due to their very old age centenarians are especially intensively confronted with the challenge of the end of life.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to analyze how centenarians handle the existential challenge of the end of life and which aspects are especially significant for them. Conclusions drawn from this analysis were used to identify factors to improve the needs-based provision of care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Trained interviewers interrogated 15 centenarians living in Berlin using semi-structured interviews based on theoretically developed and tested guidelines. Subsequently, the interviews were transcribed, computer coded and analyzed following the method of the qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the categories "experience with dying and death" and "preparing for the end of life" it was shown to be significant that respondents often referred to the dying of others with respect to their worries and wishes at the end of their life. Additionally, the subcategories "putting things in order", "settling provision of care" and "having conversations" were shown to be highly relevant for the participants in the study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Decisions related to care in the process of dying, for example by advance directives, arrangements for inheritance and funeral as well as communication about dying and death, are central needs of centenarians when preparing for the end of life. There is sometimes considerable need for professional support and protection.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Medizinische Soziologie und Rehabilitationswissenschaft, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland. simon.eggert@zqp.de.|Zentrum für Qualität in der Pflege (ZQP), Reinhardtstr. 45, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland. simon.eggert@zqp.de.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2936-6025
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Eggert
authors.affiliation: Institut für Medizinische Soziologie und Rehabilitationswissenschaft, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Adelheid
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kuhlmey
authors.affiliation: Zentrum für Qualität in der Pflege (ZQP), Reinhardtstr. 45, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Ralf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Suhr
authors.affiliation: Institut für Medizinische Soziologie und Rehabilitationswissenschaft, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Dagmar
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dräger
mesh_terms: D016223:Advance Directives; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001293:Attitude to Death; D003142:Communication; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D017051:Hospice Care; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D010166:Palliative Care; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013727:Terminal Care
keywords: Attitude to death; Hospice care; Palliative care; Qualitative research; Relatives