Final answer:
Elderly people generally report less anxiety about death than middle-aged adults due to factors like life reflection and religious support, and their attitudes towards death evolve through stages, potentially culminating in acceptance as described by the Kübler-Ross model. So, the correct option is b. Elderly people report less anxiety about death than middle-aged adults.
Step-by-step explanation:
The attitudes toward death among elderly people tend to be different compared to those of younger age groups. Studies and sociological theories suggest that attitudes toward death, including anxiety around it, may lessen with age.
The elderly, having had more time to reflect on their lives and face the realities of aging, often report less anxiety about death than middle-aged adults.
This is in contrast to middle-aged individuals, who might still be firmly involved in their life's work and family responsibilities, resulting in potentially more anxiety about the impact of their death.
Elderly individuals might also benefit from religious or spiritual beliefs that provide consolation and social support, aiding in their coping mechanisms regarding death.
While cultural attitudes shape the way society views old age and dying, these attitudes have shifted over time, with the elderly now experiencing varying levels of ageism and societal appreciation.
Another consideration is that the psychological process leading to the acceptance of death, as suggested by the Kübler-Ross model, typically evolves through stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
This process often results in elderly individuals reaching an acceptance of death as a natural and inevitable part of life.
So, the correct option is b. Elderly people report less anxiety about death than middle-aged adults.