Why one prominent doctor (Dr. Ezekial Emmanuel) says, "I hope to die at 75"

[MADem]

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

setting arbitrary "Well, YOU've had enough, now, haven't you?" limits is a good thing. And putting that kind of stuff in the ATLANTIC? It does open the door to other discussions about how well we treat the elderly, how much care they "deserve." I do see this as a prelude to discussions about rationing.

If someone wants to live to 125, and they think they can diet, exercise and do brain puzzles enough to make that happen, well, LET 'em!! I'd hate for a doctor to say "Well, I know you have a horrible infection, but no CIPRO for you--you're old, this stuff is pricey, and, well...you've had ENOUGH medical care for one lifetime, haven't you?"

By the same token, if someone (not clinically depressed or in need of mental health intervention that might alter their perspective) is sick and tired and in pain and that pain cannot be relieved sufficiently to give the person a reasonable quality of life, I think they should be allowed to make the decision to turn out the lights in a peaceful, respectful and dignified way. I do think there should be a few hoops to jump through, though--I don't like the idea of any relative named in the will pushing grampa to drink the hemlock because they're old and in the way, or anything on those lines.