End-of-Life Preferences in Afro-Caribbean Older Adults: A Systematic Literature Review. (November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moss, Karen O.; Williams, Ishan C.
• Is Part Of: Omega. Volume 69:Number 3(2014)
• Page Start: 271
• Page End: 282
• Publication Date: 2014-11
• Subjects: Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Bereavement -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Death -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Suicide -- Periodicals; 306.9
• DOI: 10.2190/OM.69.3.c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-2228

Abstract

Research suggests that older Blacks tend to prefer more aggressive treatment as they transition toward the end of life. African and Afro-Caribbean immigrants and their offspring are the fastest growing segments of the Black population in the United States. With the increasing population of Black older adults, the cost of end-of-life care is rising. This article presents a review of the literature on the end-of-life preferences of Afro-Caribbean older adults. Findings suggest that Afro-Caribbean older adults make end-of-life decisions with a significant emphasis on family structure, religion/spirituality, cultural identity, migration, and communication. Concerns regarding the meaning of end-of-life preparation and hospice are often viewed in ways that differ from that of healthcare providers. Future research is needed to investigate this process in the Afro-Caribbean older adult subset.