Psychosocial issues in end-of life care

Interest in aging and dying has increased substantially, in large part because of recent biomedical advances, the shift from a sacred to a secular conception of death, and the death awareness movement. The importance of mental health professionals in helping people through the aging and dying process is now more widely recognized. In addition, because societies are becoming increasingly multicultural, a greater need exists for appreciation of the cultural aspects involved. This article discusses the various psychosocial factors involved in aging and dying. It also touches on cultural factors that mental health and nursing professionals should be aware of to remain in tune with the changing times and better serve their patients.