Loppuikäisten

Loppuikäisten is a Finnish term that generally refers to individuals nearing the end of their life. It is not a formal medical classification but rather a descriptive phrase used in discussions about end-of-life care, palliative services, and the elderly population. The concept often encompasses a period where a person's health is significantly declining, and their life expectancy is limited, often measured in months or sometimes weeks.

Discussions around loppuikäisten typically focus on providing comfort, dignity, and support. This can include medical care aimed at managing symptoms and pain, as well as emotional and spiritual support for the individual and their family. Palliative care services are often central to the support provided to those considered loppuikäisten, aiming to improve quality of life during the final stages.

The term can also be used more broadly to refer to individuals experiencing severe chronic illnesses or age-related frailty where the trajectory is towards a natural death. The specific age or medical condition that defines someone as loppuikäisten can vary depending on context, but the common thread is the acknowledgment of an approaching end of life. Societal and cultural attitudes towards death and dying also influence how this stage of life is perceived and addressed.