What does death and dying mean?

As a field expert in palliative care and end-of-life studies, I can provide a comprehensive understanding of the terms "death" and "dying." Definition: Death is the cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism. It is an inevitable and universal aspect of life that marks the end of an individual's existence. The process leading up to death is often referred to as dying. Dying can be a sudden event, as in accidents or heart attacks, or it can be a prolonged process, as in the case of chronic illnesses or terminal diseases. The primary course of action when death is near is to ensure that the dying person's wishes are respected and fulfilled. This includes decisions about medical care, personal comfort, and emotional and spiritual needs. Advance care planning, where the individual expresses their preferences for end-of-life care while they are still able, is crucial. When a person is dying from an illness, ideally, they will have had the opportunity to participate in decisions about how they want to live the remainder of their life and how they wish to approach death. This can involve discussions about palliative care, which focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, with the goal of improving quality of life for both the patient and the family.

Definition. Death is the one great certainty in life. ... The primary course of action when death is near is to fulfill the dying person's wishes. If the person is dying from an illness, ideally, they will have participated in decisions about how to live and die.