Physicians won't have a steady income flow if you're dead.

The people that want to see you dead are the money grubbing relatives that can't wait for you to kick the bucket.

I watched my dad die of lung cancer, caring for him right to the last breath.
There are worse things than death.

quote:

Originally posted by Fly-Sig:

Unfortunately, the modern philosophy seems to be that our individual goal is to have the longest life. People who take big risks are considered weird or foolish. Not that long ago, they were admired for their spirit of adventure, or their bravery. Astronauts through the Apollo program were admired, but 10 years later the public demanded perfect safety. Same with mountaineers, sky divers (ok, they've always been crazy), and race car drivers. Dying prior to a natural cause at a very advanced age is considered wasteful.

This is very well said. While I hope to live a long productive life, it's more important to me that the years I have are full and fulfilling. I'd rather go out in my 60s doing something fun and meaningful than live to be 90 but spend the last 30 years getting my diapers changed in the nursing home.

My grandpa spent his last few years in the nursing home dying of dementia. He was 92. That was horrible and I don't want that for me or my family.

My wife's grandpa spent his last six months in a hospital bed in the kitchen of their trailer (because that was the only place it would fit) while his wife and the rest of the family cared for him and watched him die of cancer. I really don't want to go out like that, either.

Her other Grandpa was 84 and was just as ornery and cantankerous as ever, living his life and doing what he wanted right up until he got in the shower one morning and had a massive heart attack. Her grandma lived another year and then went out in pretty much the same way. Yes, it was a shock to the family and we miss them, but we've all gotta go sometime and if I get to pick I'd rather go that way...living the life I want to live right up to the end.

The Swiss have euthanasia pods. They get it. It seems a fundamental right to get to decide when to check out.

quote:

Originally posted by bdylan:
The Swiss have euthanasia pods. They get it. It seems a fundamental right to get to decide when to check out.

Maybe, but there is a lot of debate about it. Link

I am choosing gravity assisted death,
I found a nice seven story parking ramp
. in my home town

I knew the man in Oregon involved in the movie about dying in Oregon. He had throat cancer. His final days were not good. I was one of the last to see him and talk with him alive

Only a minority of U.S. physicians belong to the American Medical Association (AMA), with estimates around 15-20% of practicing doctors, a significant drop from its peak in the 1950s when it represented about 75% of physicians. Membership has declined due to doctors feeling the AMA doesn't represent their views, changing practice environments, and disagreements over policy, leading to a focus on other specialty groups for advocacy.

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
Only a minority of U.S. physicians belong to the American Medical Association (AMA), with estimates around 15-20% of practicing doctors, a significant drop from its peak in the 1950s when it represented about 75% of physicians. Membership has declined due to doctors feeling the AMA doesn't represent their views, changing practice environments, and disagreements over policy, leading to a focus on other specialty groups for advocacy.

Sorry if I'm diverting the thread, but I didn't know the AMA wasn't all powerful in the medical field, let alone only 15-20% of doctors.