This essay will consider some of the qualities inherent in the concept of a "good death". Focusing in particular on those qualities that may influence whether a death is considered timely or premature, and how timeliness may contribute overall to the concept of a "good death." There doesn't appear to be a single definition of what might constitute a "good death." ' or even a consensus that it is achievable. It seems that ideas about death have existed throughout history. Clues to which are found, among other things, in burial sites and ancient texts (K260, Block 1, Unit 2, pp 33-42). A widely held adage that dying "in old age peacefully in your sleep" suggests that a "good death" is one that occurs in context, in this case in one's bed, and furthermore, that it is timely, in the sense that it occurs after a long life . There is some agreement on the characteristics that might constitute a timely or “good” death. That death is somewhat predictable, to allow one to plan and say goodbye to loved ones, is free of pain and anguish and occurs after realizing the potential for a good life, and that death is not prolonged unnecessarily (K260 DVD, A001 and A002,).Often it is not just the dying person who is affected by the end-of-life experience. There may be involvement of medical professionals, healthcare workers and, of course, family and loved ones. These people may have a different perspective on the end-of-life experience and, therefore, different expectations and needs that inform their views about what constitutes a good death. In a study by Costello (2006) on hospital nurses' views on what makes a good death, predictability, to allow some control over the event, so as to minimize discomfort, both emotional and physical. . middle of paper... ...a sense of relationship with those present, a connection to the place of death, and of having reached an expected age, or stage of life. Age therefore seems closely related to timeliness. However, the relationship is complicated by cultural issues, the dominance of the medical perspective, inconsistencies in religious beliefs, and society's expectations about how the course of life should unfold. In achieving a good death, some people's wishes may be contrary to society's expectations. Some may receive medical interventions they do not want, such as the antibiotic regimen Forster (2009) describes his father receiving, and still others may not receive the treatment they, or their loved ones, would like (Piece 43, Earle et al, pp 90 -94). A "good death" could therefore be seen as one that occurs in context, and that is timely, at an individual and/or social level..