Why do Catholics receive the sacrament of anointing of the sick?

In Roman Catholicism, the anointing of the sick is a sacrament administered to provide spiritual and physical strength to those who are seriously ill, injured, or experiencing the frailties of old age.12

The primary purposes of the sacrament include:

• Strengthening and Comfort: It is intended to fortify the sufferer’s soul and body, helping them meet the crisis of serious illness when their spiritual and physical resources are depleted.12
• Mystical Union: It allows the ill to unite their suffering with the Passion and death of Christ.1
• Healing Ministry: The rite continues the healing ministry of Jesus and is directed against the "remains of sin," providing a complement to confession or acting as a substitute if the person is unconscious.2

While historically referred to as "extreme unction" and often delayed until death was imminent, the Church emphasizes that it is a sacrament for the sick rather than exclusively for the dying. It may be received multiple times throughout one's life if an illness worsens.12