(Aug 13, 2009): "End of Life Debate" (Video - CBS)

[CGP]

YouTube - End-of-Life Debate

[CGP]

How about a novel idea?

How about discussing this topic by focusing on the ISSUE and not immediately injecting the discussion with partisanship?

Let's see who can do it & who cannot.

[Kbentleyis]

I can't view videos, CGP. But, I feel when it's my time, that's it. As for prolonging the inevitable--only when not in pain or being a pain to someone else.

I want my cake and eat it too. I'm only human. But I can't speak for everyone else, but I think it's an individual "private" choice and not made by anyone else.

One thing I would like to add, is I'm going to live each day the best I can; and yes, live it up so to speak! As my dad use to say: "When you gotta go George, you gotta go."

I hope I'm at home with kids and dogs. If not, I hope I don't know.

[CGP]

I think one of the most important things to do (in regards to this issue) is for people to make their wishes/requests known in advance - before they become severely ill. The biggest problems arise when people have not shared their wishes to anyone - either verbally or in writing - and become so ill that they can no longer make their own decisions. Understandably relatives often want medical staff to do everything for a dying or very ill patient but in some cases the patient may not have actually wanted this.

[Spang]

When I die, I want my organs donated to people who can still benefit from them. Other than that, I don't care, I'll be dead.

[Kbentleyis]

I think one of the most important things to do (in regards to this issue) is for people to make their wishes/requests known in advance - before they become severely ill. The biggest problems arise when people have not shared their wishes to anyone - either verbally or in writing - and become so ill that they can no longer make their own decisions. Understandably relatives often want medical staff to do everything for a dying or very ill patient but in some cases the patient may not have actually wanted this.

Excellent, CGP. Yes you are exactly right. I have a will, end of life, ect. that stipulates exactly what I want. I do not want my life prolonged if I'm on machines to keep me alive--hell, that's not me.

What will be hard, is for the children. I'll want it to be over when it's over so they have no choice to leave me hanging on. I'm stopping here.

[CGP]

When I die, I want my organs donated to people who can still benefit from them. Other than that, I don't care, I'll be dead.

http://www.organdonor.gov/

[Spang]

http://www.organdonor.gov/

I have a heart on my driver license that signifies that I'm an organ donor.

[Aria]

I think one of the most important things to do (in regards to this issue) is for people to make their wishes/requests known in advance - before they become severely ill. The biggest problems arise when people have not shared their wishes to anyone - either verbally or in writing - and become so ill that they can no longer make their own decisions. Understandably relatives often want medical staff to do everything for a dying or very ill patient but in some cases the patient may not have actually wanted this.

I agree with this. It should be a decision made by the individual when in sound mind, just like other "wills" which need to be undertaken to clarify and preserve one's wishes for their last days. Hopefully, close family members are informed ahead of time which can ease the burden for all when the time comes. Personally, I don't see a need for government regulations such as a review every five years after age 65, particularly if a person has such things as a Living Will in place. It strikes me as an overly bold, insensitive intrusion which, as far as I've observed with seniors and the elderly, is totally unnecessary (To CGP - I don't see this as injecting partisanship, but simply discussing an issue at hand relating to the end of life). I do believe that most patients, in consultation with their doctors and family, can accept the inevitable and do not expect or want extraordinary measures taken to prolong life when a prognosis is dire. I also believe that we must respect and revere the sanctity of life from birth to death if we wish to promote a humane society and world.

[foxyladi]

When I die, I want my organs donated to people who can still benefit from them. Other than that, I don't care, I'll be dead.

that.s wonderful/i have used mine all up.nothing left.

[Aria]

that.s wonderful/i have used mine all up.nothing left.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: I hope that was meant to be funny!! At least we know you're still here!:rockon: