Death is an important reality that the elderly face. In preparation for death, old people engage in reminiscence. However, the presence of addiction in the elderly may influence this process. The current study examined the life of Burt, a sixty-five year old man with substance use disorder, his reflections on death, and the different types of reminiscence he uses. Using a case study, six themes were uncovered. Burt’s reflections on death revealed his awareness of his death, how he plans to spend his dying days, and his idea of a symbolic death by losing his loved ones. Burt engages in reminiscence patterns that are composed of identity recollections, life milestones, and painful experiences. These themes were examined in order to understand how an elderly person with addiction prepares for his own death. Research limitations, recommendations, and implications in clinical practice and human development research are also discussed.

死亡是老年人面临的重要现实。为了准备死亡，老年人进行回忆。然而，老年人成瘾的存在可能会影响这一过程。目前的研究调查了伯特的生活，他是一名 65 岁患有物质使用障碍的老人，他对死亡的思考，以及他使用的不同类型的回忆。通过案例研究，发现了六个主题。伯特对死亡的反思揭示了他对自己死亡的意识，他计划如何度过他临终的日子，以及他通过失去亲人来象征性死亡的想法。伯特从事由身份回忆、人生里程碑和痛苦经历组成的回忆模式。研究这些主题是为了了解上瘾的老年人如何为自己的死亡做准备。研究限制、建议、