Perceptions of Time Remaining and Distance from Death

Abstract

Life changes, demographic characteristics, attitudes toward death, and plans for the future are examined in relation to quantification of time remaining and perceived distance from death among 568 nonhospitalized, older men and women. A substantial proportion (49%) did not quantify the remaining portion of life and age did not prompt specification of time remaining. Life changes were poor predictors of both quantification time remaining and perceived distance from death. Demographic characteristics provided the best model to explain perceived distance from death although there were some differences by sex.