IMPACT OF FEAR OF PERSONAL DEATH ON LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG OLD AGE PEOPLE

Abstract

The impact of fear of personal death on life satisfaction among old age people has been studied. 60 samples were taken from the age group of 65-75 years (30 males and 30 females) from the urban areas of Delhi. Fear of Personal Death Scale by Dr. M. Rajamanickam (1999) and Life Satisfaction Scale developed by Prof. Hardeo Ojha (2005) were used to evaluate fear of personal death and life satisfaction respectively among the elderly. Results indicate low fear or absence of fear of personal death in old age (Mean=94.18, SD=25.51), with above average life satisfaction (Mean=67.65, SD=7.37). The levels of life satisfaction have been found to have a negative correlation with the fear of personal death thus indicating that these variables are inversely correlated in old age persons. No significant gender difference has been found among old age males and females. The findings of the study may be extended to fostering a more supportive environment and better acceptance related to death in elderly for a higher level of life satisfaction.