Improving end-of-life care: what providers need to know.

: There is no question that advanced medicine and improved public health have made living into old age a reality for many people. Currently the average life expectancy for women is 79 years; for men the age is 73. Many of us can reasonably assume that we will live longer lives than did our parents and grandparents. Unfortunately, many also assume that modern medical care has improved care for people in the last phase of life. However, this may not be the case.