My 81-year-old mother suffers from collapsed discs in her back and all she talks about is dying. What can I say to help her get through this?

Its hard to be upbeat when you are in constant pain. My MIL had same problem due to severe degeneration. Has she considered surgery? MIL had quite a bit of improvement post surgery. Perfect no, better yes (although she is not 81). Is she on pain medications?