Death preparation among the ethnic Chinese well-elderly in Singapore: an exploratory study

Abstract

Death preparation is an important process as it can help the elderly to achieve ego integrity at the last stage of their lives. This study aims to explore how the ethnic Chinese elderly in Singapore approach issues related to death and dying, and to identify factors that influence death preparation. Descriptive surveys with semi-structured interview questions were used. Eight ethnic Chinese older adults, recruited through purposive sampling, were interviewed. Additionally, 4 adults with a deceased parent were also interviewed to validate and complement the earlier identified themes. Results show that the current generation of Chinese elderly in Singapore do not seem to be averse to talking about issues related to death, and those who find it unnecessary to prepare for death seem to be associated with, among other factors, lesser financial assets and a strong belief in filial piety. With increasing affluence and dissolving traditions, it will be beneficial to draw the attention of the current generation of mature adults on early preparation at the final stage of the lifespan.