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Social relations and exclusion among people facing death

Author

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  • Marjaana Seppänen

    (University of Helsinki)

  • Mia Niemi

    (University of Helsinki)

  • Sofia Sarivaara

    (University of Helsinki)

Abstract

In line with current policies and service developments related to palliative care, more people are dying at home. This situation has provoked discussions about the importance of non-medical issues related to death. The process of dying is often long, with many phases, and the social aspect is a major part of it. Our focus in this article is on dying as a social process. Social relationships are significant and play a meaningful role in enhancing the well-being of older adults approaching the end of life. Meaningful social relationships tend to change over time; however, and the process of dying may exacerbate such changes in and challenge these relationships. The aim of our study was to examine how social relationships are experienced and (re)constructed among older adults (70–83 years old) during the process of dying, in a Finnish context. We were interested in the nature and type of these relationships, and in the possible new forms of expression that may emerge during this process. Our empirical data were based on interviews with seven older adults who were close to death. The analysis revealed processes of exclusion from existing relations. At the same time, we observed new and unexpected relations being initiated, which sometimes became meaningful and supportive. The results highlighted the role of expectations and importance of analysing exclusion from a life-course perspective.

Suggested Citation

  • Marjaana Seppänen & Mia Niemi & Sofia Sarivaara, 2023. "Social relations and exclusion among people facing death," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 20(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujoag:v:20:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s10433-023-00749-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10433-023-00749-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kellehear, Allan, 2008. "Dying as a social relationship: A sociological review of debates on the determination of death," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 66(7), pages 1533-1544, April.
    2. Jenny de Jong Gierveld & Marjolein Broese van Groenou & Adriaan W. Hoogendoorn & Johannes H. Smit, 2009. "Quality of Marriages in Later Life and Emotional and Social Loneliness," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 64(4), pages 497-506.
    3. Porter, Bryony & Zile, Amy & Peryer, Guy & Farquhar, Morag & Sanderson, Kristy, 2021. "The impact of providing end-of-life care during a pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of health and social care staff: Systematic review and meta-synthesis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 287(C).
    4. Glenys Caswell & Mórna O'Connor, 2015. "Agency in the context of social death: dying alone at home," Contemporary Social Science, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(3), pages 249-261, September.
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