How Beliefs and Values Affect the Experience of Dying -- A Video Exploration
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2004-02-16 16:43:00-05:00
"In the Latino community there is a prevalence (of the belief) in God's will. In the Asian community, there may be a concern that if you speak of death, you are calling it forth, you're asking it to come to you…. Every culture has beliefs that hold us back and basically say, let's not get too close to that subject"
- Myrna Peralta, Director, The National Resource on Diversity in End of Life Care
Given the range of sensitivities and taboos around dying, how can our society learn to understand—and better meet—the needs of the seriously ill?
"One Journey—Many Voices: Conversations about Serious Illness and Dying," introduced by AARP and the DC Partnership to Improve End-of-Life Care, follows a diverse group of individuals to illuminate how culture, beliefs and values impact the experience of serious illness and dying. It shares the voices of people with advanced illness and the reflections of their family members. The video also interviews health care professionals about their personal and professional experiences related to dying.
If you are among the ranks of doctors, nurses, social workers, case managers, clergy and other professionals who regularly deal with the issues of death and dying—if you frequently speak before groups on issues related to health, aging, disability and caregiving, or if you'd like to raise this issue with your community discussion group—"One Journey—Many Voices" is for you.
The stories and testimony recorded here can provide a framework for discussing sensitive end-of-life issues with many different audiences—your professional colleagues, your church group, even your family.
"One Journey—Many Voices" can be ordered online from AARP's Legal Counsel for the Elderly for $21.50 ($20.00 plus $1.50 for shipping). Free companion guides for professionals and for those who want to initiate community discussions are also available.
Other Resources
- "One Journey - Many Voices: Conversations about Serious Illness and Dying"--A Video Tool for Discussing End of Life
- DC Partnership to Improve End-of-Life Care
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