Death anxiety among older adults with chronic illnesses during Covid-19: A qualitative approach.

In the current study, we have investigated death anxiety during the Covid-19 pandemic among older people with chronic illnesses with qualitative approach. Eighteen older people (10 female, 8 male) participated in the study. Phenomenological research design was used. A semi-structured interview technique was used with interviews conducted online to collect the data. To analyse the data, both thematic and content analysis were used. The following seven themes were examined: meaning of death before and during Covid-19; meaning of death during Covid-19; awareness of life; anxiety toward family members during Covid-19; effects of Covid-19 on daily life; future anxiety after Covid-19; and coping strategies for death anxiety. The participants were mostly afraid of losing their significant others rather than dying. During the pandemic, they have had fears about the manner of death associated with Covid-19. They were mostly hopeful for the future and spirituality was generally recommended.