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How do you define a quality of life that makes life worth living?

I'm thinking about how I imagine my quality of life to be when I choose to end it. Constant pain, major dependence on others, severely decreased sight/ hearing/mental capacity; these or some combination thereof would be easy to call. But loneliness? Inability to do things I've enjoyed before? Having to move into a nursing home? I watch older people all the time and think, "I don't want to go there".

YeuxSansLaine 4 May 19
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14 comments

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1

It is a very individual thing, as everyone has said so far. I have watched old people forced to stay alive when they wanted to be allowed to die and I have seen old people hang on absolutely as long as they could when you would think their quality of life was minimal. I know when and how I plan to go, though not for a few years yet, but it is a decision each of us has to make ourself. I agree with the person who pointed out the problems with Alzheimer's - I have a close friend whose mother's brain has gone completely with Alzheimer's, but she is physically quite fit and is being well looked-after. Who knows what she really wants?

Have you read "Still Alice"? It's about a vibrant woman who gets early onset Alzheimers and plans for her exit, but by the time she is past the ending point she has set for herself, she no longer recognizes it. Heartbreaking.

0

quality of life is different for everyone. we all say what we want or are going to do now, but ultimately when the time comes, life is hard to give up. i get that after watching ppl die from cancer. most say that x is the line which i will take my own life but then change it as they really don't want to leave their earthly bodies and the life they have here. i used to say what i would do as well, but have taken to thinking much more about it the older i get as to what my parameters would be because i've found they have changed over time. certain factors are a moot point like if i was on life support, but others, not so much.

0

My plan is to live to the ripe age of 200, then find a cave, and entomb myself. Possibly wake up in a couple hundred years. Maybe less, maybe more. We shall see.

1

At this point, I'm maintaining that when I can no longer wipe my own ass, it'll be time
to go.

1

I'm all about quality of life. Ethics of care is a neat philosophy to look into.

1

Not sure but I think I'll know when I get there.

4

I am 81 years old. Over time aging and its effects have caused me to give up things that I really enjoyed -- that I often thought I could not do without. The hardest has been giving up reading due to vision problems. But, there are still things that I still enjoy and I focus on them.

Still, my mental acuity is as good as it has ever been, and my lifetime of experience enriches my understanding to a point that I could not have attained as a young man. Similarly, I work HARD to maintain my physical strength and am much stronger than the usual octogenarian.My point is that if you fear losing your physical and mental capacity, your only answer is to work hard to prevent the loss. Otherwise ], your own behavior leads to the things you fear.

Sir, I salute your attitude.

Thank you.@bigpawbullets

my elderly mother (83) has macular degeneration and had to get one of those magnifying type computer screens for her reading. she can make the images very large with that. maybe you can try something like that? also they should have books on tapes at your library you might could check out? i'm sure you've figured things out so these are just a couple suggestions to help... giving up reading is hard to accept. kudos for your perseverance!

@blueskies I have macular degeneration, too -- blind spots in the center of the field of vision, and considerable distortion in the remaining field of vision. Makes reading hard, even with a magnifying glass. I used to read 60 - 70 pages an hour, now cannot do 10 in an hour. I used to average at least a book a week. Yes, giving up reading was a real loss.

@wordywalt not talking about a small magnifier. i'm speaking of an electronic desktop magnifier that makes the image HUGE.... here is a link if you can see this. [visionaware.org]
best wishes on your journey, take care

@blueskies Many thanks! I will be looking into that. It would be great if I can re-open reading as a major part of my life.

I'm a fan of books on tape; perhaps you would consider that.

2

Every individual will know for themselves when their line of tolerance has been crossed. Health is usually the defining factor.

0

When I can't wipe my own ass when I can't cook my own food basicaly when I can't live my life the way I want I'll end it no questions I live life on my terms my death will be no different

0

It is something we must each decide for ourselves.

1

I am not sure but I can see your point. I think that is up to the individual . You are borne alone and you will die alone. If that time comes I would won't have the mental capacity to make the right decision. And not be from depression alone.

2

I try not to think about it, but it does creep into my thoughts, and it is scary. It ain't the the dying itself as much as the how.

2

That's such a personal decision! I think anyone should do it if and when they wish to do it! But, considering how all these memory/dementia conditions go...how to we know WHEN to do it? Physicians might argue that Alzheimer's patients are physically healthy, even though they would consider themselves (or their loved ones, if they're care-givers) ready to die before they lose their minds. For me--it's when I can't serve society or myself.

2

It is you life and your body and if you want to end it, it is up to you. Nobody els business.

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