Looking for the norm for

The death so far is still defined by mass as something very scary. However, this view is gradually changing and scientists even think about finding a standard for our death to be smooth and pleasant.

Change in the perception of death

When referring to death, people often think of skulls, dry bones, hideous "death gods" . This is an image that appeared from the 1300s in Europe, when the plague of great plague took nearly 50% of the continent's population. Obsessive about death makes people think that "a good life" or "a peaceful death" is when we do not have to suffer, not suffering.

Another part when talking about death will think of the image of the soul leaving the body, the images, the color thanks to the unknown. According to Judith Johnson, author of "Illuminating on Death and Death" , these images, although unable to answer the question, "Is this a smooth death?" fear when facing death.

Many people believe that death is actually just the opposite aspect of life : Life is a cycle, we are born, live and lose and be reborn, then live and die. The open attitude and the "healthier" viewpoint of death has helped us to respond differently to suffering. Now, looking at death, what many people care about is what we have received and done in our lives. Facing suffering and physical pain helps us to define that "peaceful death" is not a seemingly dead death, but it does happen when we have completed the work. which I deem necessary.

According to Judith Johnson, we need to be open to life and death to the end, to enjoy life and perspective: Life's journey is not about going to a grave safely - when the body is preserved. good - but dedicated to exhausting and still uttering "What a wonderful trip!".

The view of death is becoming more and more gentle.(Photo: Erniecarrasco.com).

Standard for smooth death

Does the change in perspective of death make the norm for a death change smoothly?"We are talking about personal medicine and should also discuss personal death. Finding a kind of death that someone desires should not be a taboo topic" - Dr. Dilip Jeste - Medical University UC San Diego (USA) said.

Dr Dilip Jeste and colleagues are trying to come up with an open concept of "smooth death" so that health workers and patients' family members can make sure that the sick - their loved ones have enjoyed the The most comfortable and meaningful moment in the last minute.

The research team investigated the data on smooth death from the perspective of those who are prepared to receive death, relatives and health workers, from two data sources, PubMed and PsycINFO. Surprisingly, in the last 20 years, there were only 36 articles on related issues. These are studies in the US, Japan, the Netherlands, Iran, Israel and Turkey.

Jeste and colleagues found 11 elements that make up "soft death" , including: Death but still retaining dignity, no pain, quality of life, family, affection, morality and spirituality, ability to complete work, treatment preferences and death process, relationship with care provider and "other factors".

Depending on who is asked, the order of importance of the above factors will change, but there are still matches in some people. 100% of patients and relatives, 94% of caregivers believe that the desire to prepare for death (choose who is when you die, where and when you die) is considered a factor Important for "a smooth death".

Many people believe that in order to be comfortable during death, the patient must be free from pain (90% of relatives, 85% of patients and 83% of health workers mention this).

Spiritual issues and beliefs seem to be an important factor in defining a peaceful death with people who are about to leave the world rather than with relatives and health care workers. 65% of patients are concerned, while only 59% of health workers and 50% of their loved ones appreciate the level of this factor.

While family members are concerned about the face of the dying person as well as the quality of life, the medical staff and the person who is dying pay less attention to it.

"For people who are dying, anxiety seems to be more psychological and physical than physical pain" - Jeste said.

"We often see the difference between patients, relatives and health workers in assessing what is most important to a person when they are about to die . and we need to pay attention to all. The essential aspect of caring for the dying person " - Dr. Emily Meier - psychologist at Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, USA - said.