Location and Timing of Death among the Elderly: An Analysis of Obituary Notices

Abstract

This research examines the location and timing of deaths among elderly males and females. Data were gathered and analyzed from 913 obituary notices in an upstate New York Metropolitan newspaper. The obituary notices were collected between August 1994 and October 1994. The data reinforce previous research supporting the institutionalization of death among the elderly. That is, the majority of deaths among the elderly occur in hospitals and nursing homes. Although some gender differences are noted, variations between elderly men and women in the location and timing of death are minimal. Marital status and number of surviving children and siblings of the decedent were also examined relative to the location and timing of death. Controlling for marital status and number of surviving family members does not alter the timing or location of death. Social policy implications associated with future aging populations are addressed.