Variation in End-of-Life Trajectories in Persons Aged 70 Years and Older, Sweden, 2018‒2020

Abstract

Objectives. To analyze variation in end-of-life trajectories with regard to elder care and medical care and how they relate to age, gender, and causes of death. Methods. We analyzed all deaths of persons at age 70 years and older between the years 2018 and 2020 in Sweden, using a linkage of population registers. We applied latent class analysis to identify distinct types of end-of-life trajectories. Results. We identified 6 different types of end-of-life trajectories. The types differed substantially in the amount of utilized elder care and medical care before death. Deaths characterized by high levels of elder care and medical care utilization become more common with age. The trajectory types show distinct cause-of-death profiles. Conclusions. Most deaths today do not comply with what is often referred to as a “good” death (e.g., retaining control or requiring low levels of elder care). The results suggest that longer lifespans partly result from a prolonged dying process. Public Health Implications. The current modes of dying call for a discussion about how we want to die in an era of increasing lifespans and aging societies. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(7):786–794. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307281 )