Factors Associated With Advance Care Planning Among Older Adults in Southwest Florida

Abstract

As the nation's population continues to age, many older adults will face care needs that can be anticipated in advance. However, little is known about older adults' advance care plans and the characteristics of those who plan. This study used a stratified random sampling design to survey older adults (n = 203) in the state of Florida regarding their attitudes toward future care and planning behavior in social-environmental, health, and financial domains. Regression analyses were conducted to determine factors most predictive of older adults' attitudes toward future care and planning behavior by domain. Results suggests that gender, age, and functional status predict greater planning behavior and more accepting attitudes toward long-term care, whereas living alone and poor health status are associated with less advance care planning behavior and greater nonaccepting attitudes. Factors associated with a greater likelihood to have advance care planning documents and concrete plans for future care include increased age, higher educational attainment, and female gender.

Keywords

advance directives long-term care end of life

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