PPLNews_Fall2001

Presbyterians Pro-Life NEWS
Fall 2001

Death for most is with family: peaceful and painless

A study of 4,000 people, aged 65 and over, done by way of interviews with family members, found:

Some general findings:

most spend their last days in their own homes with family and friends
most are alert and in control of their bodily functions without pain
most are not depressed and express a feeling of hope
most did not die in isolation

On the day of death:

51% had no disorientation or difficulty recognizing family
87% had no nausea
52% could breathe freely
69% had no pain

Source: M. Powell Lawton, Philadelphia Geriatric Center; published in Milbank Quarterly, 1990, vol. 68, pp. 1-28. Copies of the study are available by writing to Milbank Memorial Fund, 1 East 75th St., New York, NY. 10024.

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