Predictors of preparedness for well-dying among middle-aged and older adults

Background: This study investigated psychosocial factors related to preparedness for well-dying among middle-aged and older adults and verified a model that can predict it along with psychosocial factors and demographic profiles to provide useful information for intervention.

Methods: The participants were 340 middle-aged and older Korean adults aged 40-79 years. The predictive models were verified using stepwise regression and decision tree analyses.

Results: The results revealed that personality, meaning of life, hardiness, intrinsic religiosity, death anxiety, family support, subjective well-being, and expectations for future life were significantly correlated with preparedness for well-dying among middle-aged and older adults. A stepwise regression analysis revealed that meaning of life accounted for the greatest variance in preparedness for well-dying. A decision tree model predicting preparedness for well-dying included search for meaning, the presence of a spouse, family support, having a job, tenacity, conscientiousness, and positive emotions.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that search for meaning and tenacity in middle-aged and older adults as well as the presence of a spouse or occupation and family support may play important roles in preparing for well-dying.