Better to die young?

Vigor Incarnate   (Photo by Manfredo Ferrari)

Although studies have indicated that contentment increases with age, there are many who fear aging more than dying.

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health recently reported that “about one in six young and middle-aged adults in the United States want to die before age 80.”  Only one-quarter of the 1600 people that were surveyed “hope to live into their 90s.”

This wish to die relatively young (by today’s standards) is attributed to “having rather bleak expectations of what life will be like in old age.”  This might well include expectations of physical and mental deterioration, along with few coping mechanisms for such. 

Nevertheless, there are profound lessons to be learned from life’s later stages.  Even advanced debilitation can enhance wisdom, empathy and tolerance.  Fears about aging might also become unfounded.  The elder years may impart newfound vigor to some.

Resources

http://www.healthbanks.com/PatientPortal/MyPractice.aspx?UAID={3832435F-CB0D-493C-AEB1-E9AF6161A975}&TabID={X}&ArticleID=714225 

Copyright September 5, 2016 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved