The Japan Geriatrics Society (JGS) has updated its Position Statement on end‐of‐life care for older adults.
Most notably, it introduces an original definition of EOL, conceptualizing it in two stages: first, based on the individual's medical condition, and subsequently, from the perspective of the individual's life story. So, it is defined not only biologically but also biographically.
“End of life” is defined as:
[Medical Prospects] The disease or senility is irreversible, further treatment is not expected to improve the condition or prevent its progression, and death is inevitable within an unpredictable but limited timeframe.
[Perspective on view on one's own life story] Based on (1), from the perspective from which the healthcare team views the person's entire life story, the person can be considered living the last chapter of their life story, even after well respecting the person's expressed wishes regarding their life story.
The Position Statement offers ten positions:
Position 1: Opposing ageism.
Position 2: Further promoting palliative care.
Position 3: Respecting the individual's wishes and preferences.
Position 4: Promoting support for decision‐making that respects human rights, dignity, and culture.
Position 5: Promoting the provision of end‐of‐life care by a multidisciplinary team.
Position 6: Promoting clinical ethics initiatives.
Position 7: Promoting home healthcare and the community‐based integrated care system.
Position 8: Promoting death education.
Position 9: Reflecting constant research advances in healthcare.
Position 10: Seeking to build a healthcare and welfare system that protects the human rights and dignity of older adults.
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