Good and Bad Death: Exploring the Perspectives of Older Mexican Americans

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the domains that define a good death from the perspectives of healthy Mexican American older adults. Qualitative data from face-to-face interviews with 18 participants residing in Southern California were analyzed. Five categories regarding the concepts of good and bad death include no suffering, living life with faith, having time for closure with family, dying at home, and a natural death. Understanding the meaning of good and bad death within specific cultural contexts is integral to promoting cultural sensitivity when working with older adults, especially in end-of-life care.

Keywords:

• end-of-life care
• good and bad death
• Mexican American older adults
• culture

Notes

This article was supported by a University Faculty Grant Program, San Diego State University.