Death is a reality universally shared by all living organisms. It is a frightening but an inescapable event. People are aware that they cannot escape death, but what they do not know is how and when death will occur. For these reasons death is a concept that is feared and is not freely discussed. The meaning of death is perceived in different ways according to a person's period in life and personal experiences. Because preschool age children do not have a clear concept of death the one thing they fear is the threat of separation from their mother and father. For school age children and adolescents, it is perceived as an obstacle to developing relationships and identity. For adults death is seen as interfering with pleasure and responsibilities, it is perceived a blow and an injustice to personality. The elderly who have had productive lives face death as the "natural end" to a long life. Nursing care that is directed at the elderly that perceived them as the individuals nearest to death has special importance. Nurses play important roles in helping elderly individuals and their families to cope with the fear of death, prepare for death and accept death.