Interesting Take on (End of) Life

[vulcanlogician]

@Thumpalumpacus

[Cavebear]

All the previous posts were impressive. And obviously health or pain influences how you view "end of life" expectations.

My Mom often said "getting old isn't for sissies" (I know, I've mentioned that before, but it applies here). And Dad (in good health though older) said "she was a tough old bird". Of course he meant it with love and respect. He missed her very much after she died at 84 (as did I of course) and sank into some degree of depression before dementia hit him a few years later. He once mentioned that he talked to her out loud frequently, knowing she was no longer there. But he didn't have anyone else to talk to during the routine day. Dad died from "natural causes" at 94

I celebrate a 73rd year next week. I'm in general good health and I expect to enjoy it for years, but I know it won't last beyond a decade or 2 at best. I'm not afraid of death itself (cessation of self-awareness is not something you experience), but I do hope it comes either quickly and/or peacefully. Lingering, going out slowly, sounds hard.

The sad part will be not knowing how the human story progresses after I die. It will feel like a book only partly read. And I won't even know what chapter I got to...

[Minimalist]

It will feel like a book only partly read.

History teaches us that it is really the same damn thing over and over again.

[Cavebear]

It will feel like a book only partly read.

History teaches us that it is really the same damn thing over and over again.

I was thinking more about whether we survive to escape this one planet or kill ourselves off so there is no human future.

Getting out to other planets and some moons will protect us better from our own stupidity and astronomic disasters. The more we spread, the more likely we are to continue into the future. I know, I know, that sounds science-fictiony. But the more places we can settle, the less likely one event can kill us all off.

[GenesisNemesis]

I've been through a lot but I still like living. Some simple things I can still appreciate, like a good cup of coffee.

[Dānu]

I can take it or leave it.

[pattylt]

I’m a 70yo female. Retired almost 7 years ago from a very active job as a Medical Technologist in a busy hospital lab. My body is slowly falling apart due to arthritis in all my major joints. I’m not quite ready to give up, however. In many ways, I feel I’ve completed my life but there are still many things I look forward to…grandchildren, my husband of almost 50 years, my dog, the next book after I finish this one, the next Star Wars….

I have no problem with death but I have issues with the dying part. I’ve planned for years, including my husband, on choosing when I go. It’s the most personal decision one can make and I plan to make it when the time comes. My hope is that I’ll be able to make it. I don’t want my husband to risk legal issues if he helps me but that will be his choice as well.

There isn’t much more I can accomplish at this point. My general health is good but my mobility sucks. So much for all the travel we wanted to do. It is what it is. I’m still not depressed. I try not to dwell on my pains and pain medication is sometimes a needed friend. I’m still going to be around for a bit. ?

[adey67]

I used to feel that way although through using weed my suicidal ideation has dropped to almost nothing.

[GenesisNemesis]

I used to feel that way although through using weed my suicidal ideation has dropped to almost nothing.

Hopefully will be another thing I can appreciate once I get some. 

[Dānu]

Our state legislature passed a law allowing people to keep up to two pounds of marijuana at home. I don't smoke, but it's always good to have stuff on hand for guests.

[SYZ]

The sad part will be not knowing how the human story progresses after I die.  It will feel like a book only partly read.  And I won't even know what chapter I got to...

I know exactly what you mean by this.       

(I'm a bit older than you.)

[Cavebear]

The sad part will be not knowing how the human story progresses after I die.  It will feel like a book only partly read.  And I won't even know what chapter I got to...

I know exactly what you mean by this.           

(I'm a bit older than you.)

You probably are, but I turn 73 today. I expect another 20 years or so.

But I would be happy living to 1,000 with mental accuity and physical mobility though. I never have nothing to do. Cats, veggies and flowers, and cooking would interest me forever. And building things is good. Learning the newest science never fails to interest me. I might even understand quarks someday.

I know some older people who stay at work because they have nothing to do if they retire. I retired the day I was eligable because I had so much I wanted to do. I pity the ones who have nothing outside of the office. I enjoyed what I did there (it was interesting and challenging), but personal life is better. And besides, I don't have to get up at 5 AM anymore, LOL!