Balancing perspectives: a critical reflection on autonomy, respect and communication in end-of-life choice-making processes

Our findings highlight the limitations of framing end-of-life choices primarily as autonomous acts. We argue for a shift toward a more fundamentally relational conception, emphasizing interdependence and dialogue over more common notions of independence and non-interference. This approach may better align with the experiences of older adults and their close ones and provide a foundation for end-of-life care practices and policies that acknowledge and respond to the complexity of end-of-life decision-making.