Physical anxiety experienced by the elderly in facing death

Abstract

Background: Helpless older adults are characterized by physical and mental decline, making them dependent on the assistance of others. This condition reduces their integration into their environment. This study aimed to explore caregivers’ experiences of the physical anxiety of older adults facing death.

Methods: This study used a descriptive phenomenological design, which was conducted in October 2024. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight caregivers with at least one year of experience caring for the elderly in nursing homes were selected. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed using content analysis. Each participant validated the transcripts before analysis.

Results: Five main themes emerged from the data: 1) physical discomfort included dizziness, back pain, inability to speak, unresponsiveness, paleness, and decreased consciousness, 2) factors influencing physical anxiety included not being able to live with children due to not having a home, not being recognized, being rejected, living in separate cities, and no contact, 3) adaptive ways of expressing oneself included telling stories and wanting to be clean and maladaptive ways included daydreaming, crying, restlessness, not wanting to be touched, sadness, and depression, 4) Chronic diseases that worsened included diabetes mellitus, hypertension, tumors, tuberculosis, gallstones, gout, cholesterol, and calcification, 5) responses to medical care included wanting to be checked and treated but not wanting to go to the hospital.

Conclusions: Care givers improve their ability to identify physical and psychosocial complaints and receive training in the ability to meet the physical and psychosocial needs of the elderly living in the shelter.