Introduction
A Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on death and dying (Dying2Learn) was offered in 2016-2018 for the general public. It included an activity based on the work of Candy Chang, where we asked participants to complete the following: “Before I Die, I want to . . . ”
Aim
To explore the responses to this activity within both MOOCs in an assumed “well” community (i.e., outside the health context).
Methods
The content of participants’ responses to the ‘before I die’ activity from 2016 and 2017 (n = 633) was analysed qualitatively with a coding schema developed and then applied. Ethics approval was obtained.
Results
Respondents were predominantly female (93.3%), with a mean age of 49.75. Most participants resided in Australia (87.5%).
Twelve themes emerged from the data in the following order of frequency: family; do an activity; personal aspiration; live life fully, happiness; love; the greater good; peace; legacy; gratitude; religion; and health. Responses could also be distinguished as being inward-facing (about the self), and outward-facing (about others) (Rawlings et al, 2018).
Discussion
This simple “Before I Die” activity encouraged people to articulate values in their life more consciously, within the context of understanding that life is finite. It is hoped that this is a useful way for people to become more aware of their mortality and to live their life in a way that is congruent with what they consider to be what really matters the most to them in their lifetime.
Conclusion
Reflecting on what is important and on what a person wishes to achieve or address before they die can be seen as a companion process to advance care planning which addresses what an individual wants to plan to manage their actual death. The potential of this activity for building death awareness and preparedness, and for understanding the impact on personal well-being are important considerations for future research.
Reference
Rawlings et al (2018) Community views on what I want ‘Before I Die’. Behav. Sci. 2018, 8, 111.