Actually the new medicines of the past couple of decades were designed to help those of us who are in mid-life to live more comfortably and to live longer. But we are seeing that the same meds are keeping much older people living longer, too. Example, heart issues aren't killing off people like it did decades ago.
It's great if someone can live to be 100 if they are living a normal happy life, like going golfing at 103 and making a hole in one. But most of our much older elders aren't living happy productive lives, nor are their grown children. We are seeing grown children in their 80's caring for their parent(s) who are in their 100's.... or a grandchild in their 60's caring for the parent(s) and grandparents... or in some cases a great-grandchild in their 40's trying to deal with 3 generations.
I have a cousin who gave up his retirement years to care for his Mom who lived to be 100... what is sad is that his Mom had a fun filled exciting retirement, traveled everywhere, etc.... my cousin and his wife wanted that, too.... even though his Mom passed on, his wife's Mom, who is all 100, now needs full time and attention. Neither Mom would move into a retirement community. So, my cousin and his wife sold their own home and they themselves moved into a retirement community because it was impossible to care for 3 large single family homes.
It's not the length of life that matters but the quality of life. The human race makes people hang on and suffer to the bitter end when we'd ease a beloved pet's suffering and help them across the Rainbow Bridge.
I think part if it is also that they have been trained to treat, and that death is the enemy to be fought. Techniques have developed so much that life can now be prolonged beyond what seems reasonable or kind at times. In some cases, I think of it as prolonging dying rather than prolonging living. Everyone's time will come.
Often the poor MD's are being prodded to extend life by well-meaning family members. Hope and Joy are not within their scope of treatment, just anti-depressants and pain killers. Faith often gives Hope. Children often bring Joy. MD's just have that little black bag.
5 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
It's great if someone can live to be 100 if they are living a normal happy life, like going golfing at 103 and making a hole in one. But most of our much older elders aren't living happy productive lives, nor are their grown children. We are seeing grown children in their 80's caring for their parent(s) who are in their 100's.... or a grandchild in their 60's caring for the parent(s) and grandparents... or in some cases a great-grandchild in their 40's trying to deal with 3 generations.
I have a cousin who gave up his retirement years to care for his Mom who lived to be 100... what is sad is that his Mom had a fun filled exciting retirement, traveled everywhere, etc.... my cousin and his wife wanted that, too.... even though his Mom passed on, his wife's Mom, who is all 100, now needs full time and attention. Neither Mom would move into a retirement community. So, my cousin and his wife sold their own home and they themselves moved into a retirement community because it was impossible to care for 3 large single family homes.
ADVERTISEMENT