A peaceful passage: Enhancing end-of-life care for elderly patients through cultural and spiritual awareness

India bears a significant portion of the worldwide burden of chronic and terminal illnesses. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of a standardized approach in delivering optimal end-of-life care (EOLC) to a substantial proportion of patients who have reached the terminal phase of their lives. Health-care providers are urged by health-care professionals to be aware of the cultural and spiritual beliefs and practices that can shape patients' and their families' perspectives on EOLC. They should also emphasize the importance of providing support for religious and cultural practices and involving family members in the EOLC process. Holistic care is discussed as an approach that considers the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects of a patient's well-being. Healthcare providers must address ethical and legal issues when delivering EOLC and prioritize personalized care that respects patients' choices. Language and communication barriers in multicultural EOLC are identified as significant challenges. In a nutshell, the authors discuss the importance of incorporating cultural and spiritual practices in bereavement support to help patients and their families process grief and celebrate the patient's life and legacy. Overall, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of cultural and spiritual awareness in EOLC for elderly patients. It emphasizes the necessity for health-care providers to deliver inclusive and culturally sensitive care, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for both individuals and their loved ones. The significance of cultural and spiritual awareness in improving EOLC for older individuals is underscored in this context.