Why are Economically Disadvantaged Americans Less Likely Than Wealthier Persons to Make Preparations for Their End-of-Life Health Care?

Dying older adults may receive unwanted, futile, and costly medical interventions that cause distress for them and their families. As a way to take control over treatments received at the end of life, older adults often do advance care planning, which comprises a living will and durable power of attorney for health care appointment. These documents formally convey one’s treatment preferences, in the event one is incapacitated. However, persons with fewer economic resources are less likely to do advance care planning, and may receive medical treatments that are unwanted, or may be spared treatments they would have desired.