How are the Attitudes Towards Aging and Aging and Death Anxiety in Individuals Over 65 Years of Age With Chronic Diseases?: A Cross-Sectional and Analytical Study

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between attitudes toward aging and death anxiety in individuals aged 65 and older with chronic diseases. The study involved 169 participants. Data were collected using Personal Information Form, Turkish Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS), and Attitudes toward Ageing and Elderliness Scale (ATAES). The results showed that overall, attitudes toward aging were moderately positive (139.05 +/- 24.35), while death anxiety levels were high (49.04 +/- 16.62). Women, illiterate individuals, those without children, and rural residents had higher ATAES scores (p < .05). Higher death anxiety scores were found among women, non-working individuals, and those in poor health (p < .05). A significant positive correlation was found between attitudes toward aging and death anxiety (r = 0.547, p = .000). Additionally, a one-unit increase in negative attitudes toward aging led to a 37.3% increase in death anxiety (R = 0.546, R-2 = 0.298, p = .000). These findings highlight the influence of sociodemographic factors on aging attitudes and death anxiety, with negative attitudes toward aging contributing to greater death anxiety.