[Factors which influence the position towards euthanasia : Results of a representative survey among older people in...

Until now older adults have not been a target group for surveys regarding their personal attitudes towards euthanasia, although they are closest to chronic illness and death.

To determine the attitudes of older adults towards euthanasia and controversial topics in the context of illness, euthanasia and care (e. g. palliative care) on the basis of a representative sample.

The study was based on a postal survey of a representative random sample of the population aged 65 years and older (n = 3500) from a city in southern Germany using a standardized questionnaire.

A total of 1068 persons completed the questionnaire (response rate 30.5%). Assisted death was supported by 74.2% of the respondants and assisted suicide by 80.4%. According to multiple logistic regression analysis the support decreased with increasing strength of religious faith and a non-German country of origin. Of the participants 53.3% were worried about being a burden to their family, especially people with a limited state of health. People who shared this concern showed significantly more support for both types of euthanasia. More than 40% feared that people with severe and incurable illnesses would be more likely to be forced into a premature death (slippery slope argument). This concern was associated with a decreasing support of euthanasia.

The results indicate that the strong approval of the legalization of assisted death and assisted suicide by older people is motivated not only by their desire for a self-determined death but also by fears and concerns. The findings have important implications for counseling, palliative care and treatment.