This qualitative study investigated the death-related information needs and practices of older Canadians, with particular attention to how they seek, interpret, and engage with (or avoid) end-of-life (EOL) information. While issues related to death and dying are pertinent in later life, there remains a significant gap in the literature regarding older adults’ own perspectives on their informational priorities and preferences.
Through 14 open-ended survey responses, participants were invited to reflect on a broad range of topics, including funeral and body disposition options, legal and estate planning, health care decision-making, medical assistance in dying, and emotional, social, and spiritual considerations. Perceptions of trustworthiness, accessibility, and relevance across various information sources were also explored. Data were collected from a diverse national sample (n = 230), and responses were analyzed thematically using an inductive approach.
Findings reveal wide variation in the content and depth of death-related information needs. Participants emphasized the importance of clear, accessible, and trustworthy resources, while also describing barriers—such as stigma, discomfort, and interpersonal dynamics—that shape their engagement with EOL information. Their accounts highlight the desire for culturally and contextually appropriate materials that support both autonomy and relational decision-making.
By situating these findings within the existing framework of death literacy, this study both contributes to and critiques existing understandings of what it means to be “literate” in death and dying. It underscores that informational competence is not only a matter of knowledge acquisition but also of emotional readiness, social connection, and cultural fit. In doing so, the research seeks to inform the design of more responsive, inclusive, and equitable EOL care policies, educational materials, and support services in the Canadian context.
Nicole Dalmer, MLIS PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health, Aging and Society as well as the Acting Director of the Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging, both at McMaster University. She received her MLIS from the University of Alberta in 2012 and completed her PhD in Library and Information Science from the University of Western Ontario in 2018.
Her work has been recognized by the Canadian Association on Gerontology’s New Investigator Award in 2022, the 2022 McMaster Faculty of Social Sciences Early Career Researcher Award, the Canadian Association for Information Science (CAIS) Emerging Leader Award in 2023, and the 2025 ALISE/Connie Van Fleet Award for Research Excellence in Public Library Services to Adults.
The guest lecture is organised by the Centre of Excellence in Research on Ageing and Care (CoE AgeCare).
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Viivi Korpela
Doctoral Researcher & Teacher
Centre of Excellence in Research on Ageing and Care (CoE AgeCare)
