consider the various end-of-life issues that are raised–such as right-to-die, physician-assisted suicide, and prolonging life through artificial means. Also think of the hopeful side of aging.
In your small group, discuss the following questions and include how you faith informs your answers:
- Should Terry Schiavo have been sustained on a feeding tube indefinitely?
- Did Brittany Maynard do the right thing in choosing the time of her own death to avoid pain?
- What irony do you see in Peggy Battin’s advocacy for right-to-die and her personal experience with her severely disabled husband?
- Of the suggestions given to improve the aging process, which one might you adopt?
Aging and Dying
Chapter 22
I will be your God
through all your
lifetime, yes, even when
your hair is white with
age. I made you and I
will care for you. I will
carry you along and be
your Savior. Isaiah
46:4
http://www.nytimes.com/video/magazine/100
000002339935/a-right-to-die-a-will-tolive.html
https://www.youtube.com/watc
h?v=G6tAd1_EYVM
Terri Schiavo
Should she have been kept alive?
END-OF-LIFE DECISIONS – ADVANCE DIRECTIVES
Designates a
person
responsible
for making
health
decisions for
you if you’re
unable
A living will states your desires for
or rejection of specific treatments
HOSPICE
Enhancing the quality
of life that remains
Preserving a person’s
dignity
Relieving suffering
Integrating spirituality
& psychology into
care
Supporting the
patient’s family
PARKINSON’S
DISEASE
Causes are both
genetic and
environmental
(exposure to
pesticides & other
chemicals)
OSTEOPOROSIS
Caused by
Poor diet
Smoking
Lack of exercise
Excessive alcohol
Corticosteroid use
Helped by
Healthy diet
Calcium
Vitamin D,
Exercise
Progression can be
slowed by taking:
Vitamins C & E
Beta-carotene
Zinc oxide
Copper oxide
AGE-RELATED HEARING LOSS
Caused by exposure to
loud noises (even once
can cause permanent
hearing loss)
• Loss of memory that
increases over time
• Feeling confused
• Loss of problem-solving skills
• Agitated behavior
• Becoming lost in familiar settings
• Loss of interest in daily activities
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=6c4_1226747631