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Takket

(23,715 posts)

136. "Half A Life"

Fri Sep 26, 2014, 07:49 AM

Sep 2014

Star Trek: The Next Generation did an episode about this very issue years ago called "Half a Life". A great episode. I recommend watching it for anyone who wants some insight into this issue. The episode is available on Netflix if you have it. (Season 4, episode 22)

Or: Read the synopsis here: http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Half_a_Life_(episode)

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Why one prominent doctor (Dr. Ezekial Emmanuel) says, "I hope to die at 75" [View all] KoKo Sep 2014 OP

We'll see what he says when he's 75. MannyGoldstein Sep 2014 #1

He's 57. rug Sep 2014 #13

Exactly. greytdemocrat Sep 2014 #82

I'm 58 And I Don't Have A Desire to Live more than another 16 or 18 years ProfessorGAC Sep 2014 #150

Yes. Putting a number on it is silly..It's all about how you feel at the time. n/t whathehell Sep 2014 #201

This is obviously a personal decision. I have no doubt their are people who are living in chronic still_one Sep 2014 #28

As a person whose next birthday is my 75th, I see no reason Cleita Sep 2014 #35

or George Burns whistler162 Sep 2014 #130

Exactly. n/t Jamastiene Sep 2014 #161

I can't really disagree with him. nomorenomore08 Sep 2014 #2

I absolutely agree. I'm 74 now and am shooting for 80 only because I'm in good health monmouth3 Sep 2014 #3

I'm only 29, but I've already begun to take my health a little more seriously than I used to. nomorenomore08 Sep 2014 #5

i always thought you were much older based on the things you post JI7 Sep 2014 #15

I guess I'm fortunate enough to have one of those brains that soaks up information like a sponge. nomorenomore08 Sep 2014 #20

That is the point. It is going to be a very personal view. If one feels good, they will have a still_one Sep 2014 #30

And if they've cared for an elderly relative with Alzheimers, pnwmom Sep 2014 #168

If your in good health now don't expect to miss 90 tech3149 Sep 2014 #67

I have seen some incredible 85 year olds yeoman6987 Sep 2014 #9

It very much depends on the person MannyGoldstein Sep 2014 #19

It certainly does. My maternal grandmother's mother lived to be almost 98, and up until the last nomorenomore08 Sep 2014 #22

I have a friend whose 84. She swims every day and rides her bicycle all Cleita Sep 2014 #38

My grandfather just turned 90 tabbycat31 Sep 2014 #81

My dear mother is 88 and still drives, shops, is already tucking gifts away for all the grandkids! TheNutcracker Sep 2014 #84

You and she are very lucky. I'm sure you realize that, though. nomorenomore08 Sep 2014 #103

You're so right...I'm so lucky and blessed to still have her so whole, and to have her genes!!! TheNutcracker Sep 2014 #187

i agree. i'm 73 and have minor health DesertFlower Sep 2014 #120

I'm 70, and I put that age at 84. I'm still learning a lot, especially physically enough Sep 2014 #4

assuming i looked up the right one he is currently 57 years old JI7 Sep 2014 #12

I can't afford to live much longer than that. smirkymonkey Sep 2014 #6

i agree about the quality of life thing but 75 seems a bit young these days JI7 Sep 2014 #7

Damn straight! randome Sep 2014 #11

Sounds like he's clinically depressed. MADem Sep 2014 #8

My reaction exactly - TBF Sep 2014 #16

Spot on. Puzzledtraveller Sep 2014 #105

^^^THIS^^^. Well said. It's exactly this shit he's selling. nt valerief Sep 2014 #125

Do you know anyone in chronic pain? still_one Sep 2014 #32

Did this guy say he was suffering any kind of debilitating illness? That he was IN "chronic pain?" MADem Sep 2014 #44

That is the issue. It is a personal choice still_one Sep 2014 #50

No. According to the article, that is NOT the issue he's discussing. He flat out said as much IN MADem Sep 2014 #65

No, he explicitly says it IS a personal choice muriel_volestrangler Sep 2014 #133

You don't think there wasn't even a tiny hint of moralizing in his statement? kcr Sep 2014 #199

There's moralizing every time anyone writes an opinion piece muriel_volestrangler Sep 2014 #202

I agree. kcr Sep 2014 #58

I think people should be allowed to live as long as they want to...I don't like this idea that MADem Sep 2014 #192

agree 100% nt steve2470 Sep 2014 #196

You'll love this kcr Sep 2014 #198

What a WONDERFUL FIND!!! Thanks for including that in this thread--a MUST READ!! MADem Sep 2014 #200

44% of people between 75 and 84 have Alzheimers, and some of them, of course, pnwmom Sep 2014 #169

Not in my neighborhood. And not according to the Altzheimer's Association, either. MADem Sep 2014 #178

Where did you get your statistics? Here is my link: pnwmom Sep 2014 #179

Your link says that, of people with Alzheimer's, 44% of them are between 75 and 84 muriel_volestrangler Sep 2014 #186

From the Altzheimer's Association. I provided the link within the post. And it's not "30 or 40." MADem Sep 2014 #189

I am in chronic pain myself - TBF Sep 2014 #52

All I am saying is it is a personal issue. No one should decide what is right for someone else and still_one Sep 2014 #60

Yup - especially when the health of Baby Boomers TBF Sep 2014 #61

He isn't saying that. It has nothing to do with midterms. It is one doctors view still_one Sep 2014 #71

One doctor - but he happens to be the brother TBF Sep 2014 #134

politically it is a non-issue, because it has nothing to do with the politics you are inferring as still_one Sep 2014 #138

The MSM covered Obamacare - TBF Sep 2014 #139

This is a different issue. It isn't about the ACA. Just how many headline are you seeing regarding still_one Sep 2014 #143

Not about the ACA yet - but why is Zeke Emmanuel talking TBF Sep 2014 #148

I think it is his personal view. Regardless we just disagree on the impact it will have still_one Sep 2014 #149

As long as it stays his personal view TBF Sep 2014 #157

I hear you. You do realize if they did try to put that as part of the ACA it would fly like a lead still_one Sep 2014 #160

i agree. i've been a long time member of DesertFlower Sep 2014 #121

FFS. What a joke this place is. nt Logical Sep 2014 #33

MADem, I won't argue with you about the likelihood the guy is depressed, enough Sep 2014 #34

I know people in their nineties who are sharper than I was in my thirties, forties and fifties. MADem Sep 2014 #41

If anything they will put more restrictions on people end of life decisions still_one Sep 2014 #62

He is NOT talking about euthanasia. He specifically excludes it in his article. MADem Sep 2014 #70

He also makes it clear he is speaking for himself. So you disagree with his position, most will in still_one Sep 2014 #76

We all speak for ourselves--most of us don't do it in a position piece in the ATLANTIC that is MADem Sep 2014 #85

Post removed Post removed Sep 2014 #140

He's 57, not 75, and he doesn't sound depressed to me. Just realistic. pnwmom Sep 2014 #68

Really? MADem Sep 2014 #80

I'm talking about myself, not them. pnwmom Sep 2014 #83

That is not what it sounds like to me tabbycat31 Sep 2014 #87

I can only respond by asking you to remember this exchange as you approach your MADem Sep 2014 #92

Message auto-removed Name removed Sep 2014 #142

Welcome to DU, Marc72. pnwmom Sep 2014 #145

Message auto-removed Name removed Sep 2014 #146

I am about the age of the man in the OP and I feel the same way. pnwmom Sep 2014 #144

Unless you have a family history that puts you, personally, at that specific risk for Altzheimer's, MADem Sep 2014 #180

I also linked to the statistics I found. But, yes, I do have a parent with it, so my head isn't pnwmom Sep 2014 #181

I'm perfectly fine with not approaching my 70s tabbycat31 Sep 2014 #163

I'll bet you'll change your mind when you hit your mid-sixties. MADem Sep 2014 #188

I think it's realism, too, pnwmom. nt WhiteAndNerdy Sep 2014 #116

'I just think this is an opening salvo for an argument to ration health care.' sabrina 1 Sep 2014 #72

This isn't about Rahm, though. That is a bit of a cheap shot. MADem Sep 2014 #88

He and his brother worked together on HC. sabrina 1 Sep 2014 #99

His name is not on that article. It's just not appropriate to put that on him. MADem Sep 2014 #106

This is so much more complicated than people want to think. pnwmom Sep 2014 #147

I certainly don't want my death to be tied to some arbitrary age. That is what he is espousing - djean111 Sep 2014 #154

If you read the whole article, you would know he's not talking about anyone committing suicide. pnwmom Sep 2014 #164

I admit I read the article with the bias of having read some of his papers - like how spending a djean111 Sep 2014 #182

Well, I certainly don't agree with any libertarian nonsense, and I'm for single payer. pnwmom Sep 2014 #183

Thanks for understanding! My reaction is based on all the things I have read about him. djean111 Sep 2014 #185

I just got finished taking care of two elderly family members a year ago. I am proud to say sabrina 1 Sep 2014 #174

He's only one year older than me, and sounds like 30 years older.... steve2470 Sep 2014 #167

As long as I'm phytsically and mentally healthy I plan to live until I'm at least 100. I remember Louisiana1976 Sep 2014 #10

Damn right!!! Do not go gently!!! Hang on and HAVE FUN!!!! nt MADem Sep 2014 #23

I'll take what I can get Glassunion Sep 2014 #14

My parents are 81 and 76,they walk a mile every day,stay busy, sufrommich Sep 2014 #17

I think there needs to legislation in the US for Euthanasia oooooob Sep 2014 #18

I completely support people's right to end their lives when they wish to. Albeit with counseling etc nomorenomore08 Sep 2014 #24

He isn't arguing that point at all, though.... MADem Sep 2014 #46

Too much money for his Private HC buddies is what he's really worried about. I hope he manages sabrina 1 Sep 2014 #53

i saw a documentary about it. the doctor could not help. DesertFlower Sep 2014 #122

I have no problem with this.. sendero Sep 2014 #21

Provocative, but I'd have said 80 BeyondGeography Sep 2014 #25

The number is arbitrary, but I agree in principle RedCappedBandit Sep 2014 #26

I'm Calling Him on "Longevity for the 1%" daredtowork Sep 2014 #27

Yes! "The Unit" is an incredible book, SheilaT Sep 2014 #43

Just looking at the questions in the post above yours, which may not be representative of sabrina 1 Sep 2014 #49

This is exactly why you should read The Unit daredtowork Sep 2014 #93

Perhaps because it wasn't written by an American? daredtowork Sep 2014 #91

I have no idea why people haven't heard of it SheilaT Sep 2014 #104

Now I can't remember how I found it daredtowork Sep 2014 #110

BINGO. "The Rich Are Different" and they can live as long as they'd like, because they can MADem Sep 2014 #63

Oops - those aren't my points daredtowork Sep 2014 #94

I understand that. I was responding in that same voice. nt MADem Sep 2014 #95

Whew! daredtowork Sep 2014 #97

You're doing great--that UNIT is a huge contribution to this discussion and thank you for it. nt MADem Sep 2014 #108

I hope people actually make time to read it daredtowork Sep 2014 #111

You can get it to read on your kindle/nook or computer/tablet (w/an app) for three fifty MADem Sep 2014 #112

Maybe if there's a wave of interest the ebook will go on sale, too daredtowork Sep 2014 #158

You can get the ebook at that Amazon link, cheap, too. It's the "kindle" version but you don't NEED MADem Sep 2014 #190

Most of the low end reviews daredtowork Sep 2014 #197

you'd think that'd be easy to arrange, but the main mafias are Italian and Irish MisterP Sep 2014 #29

my father is 77 and still healthy and having fun in life. plays golf 3, 4 x's a week. seabeyond Sep 2014 #31

This 103 year-old Doc would disagree n2doc Sep 2014 #36

Thanks for the link A Little Weird Sep 2014 #56

Yay for Dr. Engleman! Duppers Sep 2014 #73

TAKER!!!!! MADem Sep 2014 #96

Well, more power to him. One less member of that family to plague the rest of us. scarletwoman Sep 2014 #37

Amazing isn't it, how that family's total lack of morals and principles is still being foisted on sabrina 1 Sep 2014 #48

"I don't take guidance from people with no souls." Excellent! scarletwoman Sep 2014 #57

It is totally amazing. And, Sabrina1, we did have one small coup today - truedelphi Sep 2014 #102

+1 TexasMommaWithAHat Sep 2014 #162

I'll be 75 in February and I'm not anywhere ready to check out. eom Cleita Sep 2014 #39

I'm almost 49 yo and I'd be ok if I'm gone by 50. mucifer Sep 2014 #40

This message was self-deleted by its author WhiteAndNerdy Sep 2014 #114

Good for him jamzrockz Sep 2014 #42

Someone who is only 57 SheilaT Sep 2014 #45

I can't think of too many people whose opinions are more suspect than Rahm's brother's. sabrina 1 Sep 2014 #47

Nailed it. nt TBF Sep 2014 #54

My mother is 88, and currently traveling cwydro Sep 2014 #51

So much more to learn and see. ErikJ Sep 2014 #55

I disagree completely to die at 75 golfguru Sep 2014 #59

Personally, I am not afraid of dying - I am afraid of living.... kentuck Sep 2014 #64

I don't like him. I think he would deprive the very elderly of cutting edge medicine. madfloridian Sep 2014 #66

Indeed bluestateguy Sep 2014 #86

Should I not trust myself? JonLP24 Sep 2014 #194

I am 75 years old and plan to live at least another 10 years. RebelOne Sep 2014 #69

talkin bout my ge-ge-generation unblock Sep 2014 #74

44% of people between 75 and 84 have Alzheimers. So I think he makes a reasonable point. pnwmom Sep 2014 #75

You are misreading this statistic Yupster Sep 2014 #213

As long as that his his decision, and not the decision of the government or an insurance co. bluestateguy Sep 2014 #77

Not me. Blue_In_AK Sep 2014 #78

why would it not depend on one's health at the time treestar Sep 2014 #79

I'm shootin' for 109. Throd Sep 2014 #89

I hate that nonsense - life expectancy was 47 in 1900 hfojvt Sep 2014 #90

This is sort of weird to say, but Arugula Latte Sep 2014 #98

LOL!!! A healthy 74 year old Zeke'll be saying "But but but but but..." n/t cherokeeprogressive Sep 2014 #100

I had my 75th birthday exactly one week ago....I'm not ready!! young_at_heart Sep 2014 #101

+1,000 !!!! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise...! nt MADem Sep 2014 #107

Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now pinboy3niner Sep 2014 #127

Personally, I'd like the option of euthanasia. Live life until it's just too hard. Hoyt Sep 2014 #109

We do sort of have that. Cleita Sep 2014 #117

There is something to be said for quality over quantity but, I am not sure one can put an age limit Tuesday Afternoon Sep 2014 #113

Quality over quantity? Cleita Sep 2014 #115

what part of personal decision do you NOT understand? This is really none of my business. Done here. Tuesday Afternoon Sep 2014 #118

Done? I guess you can't answer the question. eom Cleita Sep 2014 #119

Actual Life expectancy was not 47 in 1900. former9thward Sep 2014 #123

Excellent piece of information. Divernan Sep 2014 #129

Yep. My family tree has loads of children who died before age 21. MadrasT Sep 2014 #131

BINGO! Infant mortality is the only reason, we are not living longer! B Calm Sep 2014 #132

Fuck you. Our society could do without assholes like you now. Bioethicist, my ass. valerief Sep 2014 #124

I concur. truebluegreen Sep 2014 #126

Big Insurance would heartily agree with this "ethicist" physician! Divernan Sep 2014 #128

If the USA would allow stem cell treatments like some people I know who get them in other countries, Sunlei Sep 2014 #135

"Half A Life" Takket Sep 2014 #136

Oh, yes, Delphinus Sep 2014 #184

Zeke is the Architect of Obamacare Octafish Sep 2014 #137

No he isn't--Mitt Romney and the Massachusetts Legislature are the architects of Obamacare. MADem Sep 2014 #191

Zeke was an advisor. The ACA was not just moved from Massachusetts. djean111 Sep 2014 #203

It wasn't "just moved" but many essential elements, the building blocks, the "architecture" MADem Sep 2014 #205

Looks to me like he has always just been about seeing people as units - and quality of life is not djean111 Sep 2014 #206

Yes--as I said, he's looking to ration health care. MADem Sep 2014 #208

Wouldn't it be great if he used his intellect and influence - he was an advisor for Obama on the djean111 Sep 2014 #209

He'd have to start thinking in terms of humanity and compassion. MADem Sep 2014 #211

We wouldn't have to argue about this if we had a civilized approach to elder care, including means Brickbat Sep 2014 #141

If you look around at his other papers, etc., the 75 year old death thing is not about quality of djean111 Sep 2014 #151

I plan on living till I no longer enjoy seeing beuatiful women. dilby Sep 2014 #152

I plan to deny treatment too PasadenaTrudy Sep 2014 #153

Right now it's your body, your choice (as it should be) - TBF Sep 2014 #156

Right now it's coded as: "if you're debilitated you may be a cash cow to some nursing home pnwmom Sep 2014 #171

That's not a very good argument TBF Sep 2014 #172

It's not an argument for euthanasia. It's an argument for letting people control their own lives pnwmom Sep 2014 #173

As long as it stays personal choice TBF Sep 2014 #175

Check back with him on his 74th birthday KamaAina Sep 2014 #155

OK, Zeke, rogerashton Sep 2014 #159

Let's see if still says that at 74 and a half. nt TeamPooka Sep 2014 #165

My personal goal is 95 steve2470 Sep 2014 #166

I agree with you! nt MADem Sep 2014 #193

I feel sorry for this guy's daughters steve2470 Sep 2014 #195

I told the 75 year old and the 80 year old I played gold with today about this CBGLuthier Sep 2014 #170

To be clear - Zeke is only concerned about contributions to society, not whether your friends are djean111 Sep 2014 #204

OK, they pay taxes and go to church and enjoy their families. Is that ok with Zeke? CBGLuthier Sep 2014 #207

Zeke is already worse than useless so why wait for 75. Evil motherfucker. TheKentuckian Sep 2014 #176

A quote from HL Mencken might be appropriate? kentuck Sep 2014 #177

If the Dr. wishes to "konk out" at 75, it' his right. ladjf Sep 2014 #210

He needs to find out about Arthur Rubinstein. Manifestor_of_Light Sep 2014 #212