Predictors of preparedness for well‐dying among middle‐aged and older adults

Background This study investigated psychosocial factors related to preparedness for well‐dying among middle‐aged and older adults and verified a model that can predict it along with psychosocial factors and demographic profiles to provide useful information for intervention. Methods The participants were 340 middle‐aged and older Korean adults aged 40–79 years. The predictive models were verified using stepwise regression and decision tree analyses. Results The results revealed that personality, meaning of life, hardiness, intrinsic religiosity, death anxiety, family support, subjective well‐being, and expectations for future life were significantly correlated with preparedness for well‐dying among middle‐aged and older adults. A stepwise regression analysis revealed that meaning of life accounted for the greatest variance in preparedness for well‐dying. A decision tree model predicting preparedness for well‐dying included search for meaning, the presence of a spouse, family support, having a job, tenacity, conscientiousness, and positive emotions. Conclusion These findings suggest that search for meaning and tenacity in middle‐aged and older adults as well as the presence of a spouse or occupation and family support may play important roles in preparing for well‐dying.