Older adults' views on euthanasia

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes older adults (65 years and older)have towards euthanasia. The subjects of the study were people 65 years of age and olderwho reside in homes for the aged within the Cape Metropolis. An equal number ofsubjects from the African, Coloured and European communities were randomly selected.A biographical questionnaire as well as the Euthanasia Attitude Scale and the Purpose InLife Test, were administered. The influence of four variables were focused on, namelyage, ethnicity, meaning in life and health. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis andone-way ANOV A analysis were used. Ethnicity, meaning in life and health were notfound to have a significant correlation with euthanasia. Age was the only variable foundto have a significant correlation with euthanasia. The findings were discussed and certainrecommendations were made.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University