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I have to admit I have some predilection towards the kind of "long term planning" you're describing. If more people would do it, it would go some distance towards solving many of these issues. There are other reasons besides the ones you named though why people don't do it:
1. It takes a certain amount of "sand" or "guts" to go that route. Many people talk about it and think about it. The actual number that are willing when the chips are down to raise that pistol are far and few between. I know some very rational people in my family who had a good mind until the day they died. In the past, they had spoken about taking their own lives. Not one did it when the chips were down.
2. It leaves a mess someone has to clean up.
3. It flies in the face of most religious values.
4. They worry what effect this will have on the family they leave behind.
5. Besides having a mind that is shot, by the time many people get to the point where they would seriously consider this option, they are too physically weak to do what has to be done to carry it out.
Some day, assisted suicide may be more of an option than it is today. However, we aren't there yet. Long term care is expensive and a terrible dilemma for many.
I remember a PBS documentary a while back about assisted suicide in Sweden. The film followed the decline of a man who had Lou Gehrig's disease (I think he'd been a professor?) and his wife who was taking care of him. They made their decision and moved to a facility in Sweden with a doctor known for this, and the whole film documented everything in detail including the man alertly testifying in front of the camera that he was going through with it, then drinking the potion and actually dying as millions of viewers watched on TV. It seemed very peaceful--but it was very well planned. I remember thinking that the stated cost of this (on the part of the facility) was not that much. I wonder about these practices around the world, from an anthropological/sociological perspective.
If I ever decide to go the take-my-own-life route it won't be with a gun. One flinch and you're still here and a vegetable. No thanks. Good drugs are the way to go.
Some day, assisted suicide may be more of an option than it is today. However, we aren't there yet. Long term care is expensive and a terrible dilemma for many.
I believe that Oregon has it, as well as several foreign countries. I think about the gun option, and then think about moving to where assisted suicide is legal.
I believe that Oregon has it, as well as several foreign countries. I think about the gun option, and then think about moving to where assisted suicide is legal.
Oregon, Washington and Montana have "death with dignity" laws. There are some strict requirements about when it's allowed and how, though, that really limit its usefulness.
In Oregon, at least, it must be self-administered (so, in the case of my father, who couldn't swallow the last several weeks of his life, it wasn't a option), you have to have multiple sources certify that you have less than 6 months left, you have to be evaluated for mental health, and a few other things.
The interesting thing about the Oregon law is that many of people who are given the approval and prescription never use it. I believe it is simply a comfort and a relief knowing that the option is there.
The group in Europe that assists with suicide and I believe was also the group in that documentary mentioned above is called "Dignitas." They even have "suicide tourism" now in Europe.
I am hoping as the hordes of Boomers start aging they will find a way to make it more available and affordable. As one of the above posters mentioned, most people don't even use it---but we should at least have the chance to decide for ourselves how and when we want to go.
My husband and I have made clear plans that neither of us wants to be "maintained" in assisted living when we are no longer really functioning well, are a huge burden to others, or are in severe pain/discomfort. Neither of us is afraid of death---it's the "dying" part that's hard, so we are keeping a look out for all the alternatives to use.
If I ever decide to go the take-my-own-life route it won't be with a gun. One flinch and you're still here and a vegetable. No thanks. Good drugs are the way to go.
My husband and I have made clear plans that neither of us wants to be "maintained" in assisted living when we are no longer really functioning well, are a huge burden to others, or are in severe pain/discomfort. Neither of us is afraid of death---it's the "dying" part that's hard, so we are keeping a look out for all the alternatives to use.
Is there more than one? Keep us posted~!
On another note, I wonder how aging people in places like Sweden or Switzerland fare. Maybe it's worth considering a permanent move there after a certain age, if things look good.
We moved to Sun City, AZ Phase III and bought a 74 contemporary home that was in much need of a face lift. I have some before and after photos of the kitchen I would love to share. Not sure how to post them here. You are welcome to see them on my album. We find the taxes here very reasonable for our newly rebuilt home...a whopping $700 a year compared to the $1,800 a year in Peoria. HOA fees are $40 a year. It reminds me so much of southern CA and parts of Palm Springs. There is a little creepyness to it, but it is so less stressful than the other neighborhood.
We moved to Sun City, AZ Phase III and bought a 74 contemporary home that was in much need of a face lift. I have some before and after photos of the kitchen I would love to share. Not sure how to post them here. You are welcome to see them on my album. We find the taxes here very reasonable for our newly rebuilt home...a whopping $700 a year compared to the $1,800 a year in Peoria. HOA fees are $40 a year. It reminds me so much of southern CA and parts of Palm Springs. There is a little creepyness to it, but it is so less stressful than the other neighborhood.
Sometimes it is just too quiet. We will adjust in time after listening to kids screaming up and down the street. I do love waking up to the sound of Quail and watching a family of Coyotes wander past my patio window.
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