This empirically-based study of older adults ranging in age from 70-90 years examines the influence of family relations, religious beliefs, age-related health changes, culture, and more on personal meanings of death, fears of death, and views of the dying process. Gerontologists will gain a more realistic understanding of all of the factors influencing an older individual's view of death and the dying process. These views impact the development of both effective interventions to provide appropriate emotional support and coping strategies to help persons deal with fears of approaching death.