We must learn the art of accepting death and dying gracefully

No one dies because of aging. There is almost always a natural cause of death when we die, even in very old age, such as diseases or infections. Major causes of natural deaths are heart attacks and heart diseases, diabetes, diarrheal disorders, respiratory/lung diseases, cancer, Alzheimer's and other kinds of
dementia.
As we get older, most of us slowly and reluctantly start accepting the inevitability of death. Our only wish for those final days is to die gracefully, without pain and suffering. We don't want to experience uncertainty about death. One study shows that when people face imminent death, they start accepting it and focusing on the positive because they know they don't have much time left. Absent soul-searching and acceptance, most people are uncomfortable in talking about their death. This is also the reason why very few write a will, designating distribution of their assets after they die.

We all want to experience a “good death” after living to the fullest. Looking into what constitutes a successful or good death, an important study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, came up with some answers. The study identified 11 core themes of a good death: preferences for a specific dying process, pain-free status, religiosity/spiritualty, emotional well-being, life
completion, treatment preferences, dignity, family, quality of life, relationship with healthcare provider, and “other.”

"One study shows that when people face imminent death, they start accepting it and focusing on the positive because they know they don't have much time left."

The top three themes across all stakeholder groups were preferences for a specific dying process (94% of reports), pain-free status (81%), and emotional well-being (64%). People want to die not only peacefully, but with some measure of control. No one wants to suffer pain, which is the biggest fear of all.
To eliminate suffering, euthanasia (the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease, or in an irreversible coma) or palliative care (specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness) are becoming popular worldwide.

The top concerns for aged people facing imminent death are first, that their death be painless; second, that they not become a burden on others; and thirdly, that they are not alone near or at their death.  Loneliness is a great concern for many senior citizens. Sadly, most people do not want to talk about death.

To discuss one's own death is generally taboo, especially in India. Even family members and close friends of terminal patients don't dare to discuss this delicate subject. The fact is, by not acknowledging and discussing death, we cause more harm to ourselves. Our quality of life would be improved considerably if only we could embrace death gracefully. We must take death and dying as a natural phenomenon in
life, and work on removing our inhibitions.
In our later most part of life, 3 things are, to my mind, extremely important. First, we must continue to follow our passions, spend time, whatever maximum we can, for pursuing interests like writing, reading, painting, photographing, gardening, golf, playing cards, cleaning, or even gossiping with friends.
We need to lead an active life, to the extent possible. Lighter exercises like walk, yoga along with meditation should be done religiously.
Secondly, we should continue to eat healthy food along with other medicines and supplements, as prescribed by doctors. Thirdly, we shouldn't forget to spend time, whatever possible with our close friends and family members. We must avoid to feel 'lonely' and 'boredom, if we stay alone at that age. There are ways to avoid loneliness even with the help of digital platforms including social media.