Final answer:
Elderly people may fear dependency more than death due to ageism, loss of independence, potential for abuse, and their desire to maintain autonomy and dignity. Changes in societal structures and living arrangements, and the desire to avoid becoming a burden also contribute to this fear.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question at hand is Why do elderly people fear dependency more than death? As individuals transition into old age, they encounter a multitude of challenges. With the shift from agrarian to industrial societies, older adults began to be perceived as an economic burden rather than an integral part of the household which contributed to the fear of dependency. This fear is due in part to ageism—stereotyping and discrimination based on age—coupled with the potential loss of independence and subsequent reliance on others for basic needs, possibly leading to elder abuse and a loss of dignity.
Moreover, the elderly often have a lifetime of experiences and a desire to maintain their autonomy and decision-making capabilities, which can make the prospect of dependency particularly distressing. Furthermore, proactive quality-of-life planning and the availability of different living arrangements can help mitigate these concerns, but the specter of becoming a dependent still looms large for many in their later years.