Ethnic differences in perceptions, preparations and rituals regarding death in Singapore

The study of ethnic interpretations of death paves the way for a deeper und erstanding of the psychosocial and behavioral patterns of aging. Using a qu alitative methodology, multiple long interviews were conducted with forty-f ive non-institutionalized very old Singaporeans (between 70 to 84 years) re garding their life story, attitudes and beliefs, health, family, and commun ity involvement. The three ethnic groups captured were the Chinese, Malays, and Indians. There were similarities as well as differences across the eth nic group in terms of perceptions and preparations for death. Generally the majority were more concerned with the manner of death than death itself. I n terms of preparation for death, the Chinese had more pragmatic strategies than the Malays and Indians. In their old age, the Malays focused on retri bution for past sins while the Indians underscored building of good Karma a nd spiritual upliftment. Understanding the nuances of ethnocultural percept ions and preparation for death provides added value to counselling for olde r adults and the terminally ill.