God loves the sick. When someone is very sick or very old and could die soon, they need God’s help for that moment. Anointing by a priest helps bring strength, peace and encouragement. Part of this sacrament is forgiving all the sins of the sick person and preparing him or her for their time of death.

The sick, with their pain and suffering, help Jesus to carry the Cross, and at the same time, He helps them during the last moments of their lives.

• To receive God’s healing power: Catholics believe that the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick can bring healing to those who are sick or suffering. It’s like receiving a special kind of medicine that comes from God.
• To feel God’s love and support: When someone is sick or suffering, they can feel very alone and scared. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick can help them to feel God’s love and support, and to know that they are not alone.
• To prepare for the next life: Catholics believe that the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick can also help prepare someone for the next life. It’s like making sure they are ready to meet God and to enter into eternal life with him.

Anyone who is baptized and of the age where he can go to confession

It's not necessary to wait until someone is dying to receive the Sacrament. Instead, a thoughtful assessment of the severity of the illness is all that's needed. It's common to receive Anointing of the Sick before a surgery.