Why do old people spend so much money trying to keep themselves alive? | |
waterlily User ID: 48755735 United States 11/09/2013 07:41 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | As I get older, I'm starting to realize there's not much point to extending my life way beyond my healthy years. I never go to the doctor for anything and even if I had cancer, I would probably just try to deal with it on my own with natural remedies instead of spending my life savings and my children's inheritance on medical bills. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 48302375 It seems like people today are so disconnected with death and dying. Instead of accepting it and not letting the fear overwhelm them, they do everything they can to delay it at the expense of their own dignity. Are people so afraid of death? Religion contributes to this fear with the christian and catholic idea of hell and purgatory. We need to realize there is nothing to be afraid of. When it is my time to go, I won't fight it, especially if it means spending thousands of dollars and being drugged 24/7. When I know I'm about to die, I want to go up to the mountains and sit in meditation. Maybe do some mushrooms or DMT to experience ego death a few more times to prepare my soul for departure. The last thing I want is to be a burden on anyone. A lot of old people screwed the youth over and know it. They are delaying their inevitable passing into hell, which is where the majority of them end up. How do you know that? *********** WaterLily *********** " Do I dare Disturb the universe?" -- T. S. Elliot, Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock ************************************* “We are as ignorant of the meaning of the dragon as we are of the meaning of the universe.” -- Jorge Luis Borges ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Pompey made his preparations for the war at the end of the winter, entered upon it at the commencement of spring, and finished it in the middle of the summer." -- Cicero, De Imperio Cn. Pompei |
Paggs User ID: 41770098 United States 11/09/2013 07:42 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Do you have anyone who cares about you? Quoting: natasha77 I want to live and stay healthy for my family, my kids, grandchildren, those who love me and need me. You're entitled, but I think you act selfish, IMO. That's a weird view to me, Natasha. To me it seems pointless and wasteful to cling on to life just for the sake of it - even when you're never going to be healthy or strong again, no matter how much it costs. THAT is my idea of 'selfish'. With the OP 100% on this one. I agree with both you and the original poster. Actually I was thinking something very similar the other day. Last Edited by Paggs on 11/09/2013 07:43 PM |
waterlily User ID: 48755735 United States 11/09/2013 07:48 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I feel the same way, but sometimes when you get old, your children start making those decisions for you. They'll take you to see the doctor and you'll start noticing that the doctor only talks to them, not to you. You soon become an object with no right to decline medical procedures or ask for second opinion. Not sure how to get around that. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 35430238 I saw that happening with my mother, but she often deferred to us when at the doctors, though I wished she had felt more assured to ask on her own. I would suggest that a polite "Excuse me," followed by your comments or questions might be in order, also take notes, because there were times neither of us quite got what the Dr. said. If you think a second opinion is in order, I say ask for one, by all means. A second opinion saved my mother's life a couple of times, when the medication she was given was literally killing her little by little. A second opinion got rid of the poison, and she lived several happy productive years after that. *********** WaterLily *********** " Do I dare Disturb the universe?" -- T. S. Elliot, Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock ************************************* “We are as ignorant of the meaning of the dragon as we are of the meaning of the universe.” -- Jorge Luis Borges ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Pompey made his preparations for the war at the end of the winter, entered upon it at the commencement of spring, and finished it in the middle of the summer." -- Cicero, De Imperio Cn. Pompei |
waterlily User ID: 48755735 United States 11/09/2013 07:52 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Yes, the OP is selfish. If you have nothing to offer the world when you're in your final years, you need to re-evaluate your life. Whether it be being there for family, or watching your grandkids grow up, the later years can be far more enjoyable than your younger years. When you think about it, you spend your entire life working... for what? Old people, assuming they led good lives, can finally see their work paying off. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 32337439 I wonder if you'll still feel that way when you've spend your last vacation day changing diapers and sitting with someone who can't even remember who you are. There is a side of illness and aging that contains no romance and 'being there' for your grand kids, etc. Unfortunately that is the experience for some, but not for all older people. I feel for you, I watched my mother deteriorate. So helpless. If you are doing it all alone, that is really so terribly tough. Is there nobody to help you out? *********** WaterLily *********** " Do I dare Disturb the universe?" -- T. S. Elliot, Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock ************************************* “We are as ignorant of the meaning of the dragon as we are of the meaning of the universe.” -- Jorge Luis Borges ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Pompey made his preparations for the war at the end of the winter, entered upon it at the commencement of spring, and finished it in the middle of the summer." -- Cicero, De Imperio Cn. Pompei |
Granny Jones User ID: 1030089 United States 11/09/2013 07:53 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Well said! I am in my late 50's, but after watching several older comrades go, in quite sad and heinous ways, I am researching relatively easy, stress free ways to say buh-bye when the time feels right. Philosopher Alan Watts had some great stuff to say about the Western fear and disconnection to death. the movie "Harold and Maude" is definitely inspiring on this subject (plus it's funny as sh*t :) ) Awesome post, Ty! |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 1302477 United States 11/09/2013 07:54 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
deanoZXT User ID: 1287631 United States 11/09/2013 08:00 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Did I detect a hint of arrogance there? Quoting: waterlily I mean, how can 1 person stand back and cast such a wide net over millions of people he's never set eyes upon? Perhaps they have questioned, as I suspect most people have, in quiet times alone, or in times of desperation. Not everyone is rewarded with immediate answers to deep questions or even had the mechanisms to recognize the answers if they come; its not like a candy machine, you know. If you had ever deeply questioned the purpose of life and gained wisdom from the introspection, I suspect there would be a note of compassion in your words. Feeling superior is an attachment to sensual existence too. Kindness is the way out. The United States Congress Can. -Everything's more awesome when you lean into it. |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 49716288 Brazil 11/09/2013 08:03 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | because they are selfish ignorant and fearful old age is caused by loss of sexual energy. Deep inside people know that they have caused their own misery, because if you conserve and cultivate your sexual energy like a pretty flower, you don't age. This has been documented by gnostic and ancient medical texts around the world. Fear will take about 60% of a person's wealth before they die. IF you are looking to inherit money for your parents, subtract 60% and then some, cause that is what they're going to waste on "treatments" for what is simply a process of old age that they cause to themselves. |
SilverPatriot User ID: 39491380 United States 11/09/2013 08:08 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | As I get older, I'm starting to realize there's not much point to extending my life way beyond my healthy years. I never go to the doctor for anything and even if I had cancer, I would probably just try to deal with it on my own with natural remedies instead of spending my life savings and my children's inheritance on medical bills. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 48302375 It seems like people today are so disconnected with death and dying. Instead of accepting it and not letting the fear overwhelm them, they do everything they can to delay it at the expense of their own dignity. Are people so afraid of death? Religion contributes to this fear with the christian and catholic idea of hell and purgatory. We need to realize there is nothing to be afraid of. When it is my time to go, I won't fight it, especially if it means spending thousands of dollars and being drugged 24/7. When I know I'm about to die, I want to go up to the mountains and sit in meditation. Maybe do some mushrooms or DMT to experience ego death a few more times to prepare my soul for departure. The last thing I want is to be a burden on anyone. A lot of old people screwed the youth over and know it. They are delaying their inevitable passing into hell, which is where the majority of them end up. Do you seriously believe what you spew, as I believe that parents desiring to give their children a better life than what they experienced inadvertently created a bunch of lazy self-indulgent dependent spoiled children who failed to learn about a work ethic. Younger generations grew up happily and blindly watching television, playing computer games, lost on your iphones talking stupid with your friends or whatever, never realizing or understanding your parents were out mowing lawns, slinging or delivering pizzas or stocking shelves as teenagers. It seems to me your hate fest involves older responsible people who retain jobs your self-entitled backside feel should be yours |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 49718025 United States 11/09/2013 08:11 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 33246001 United States 11/09/2013 08:12 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | The dead are penniless, title less , degree less Quoting: Anonymous Coward 49114148 what you had on this earth in life You will not have in death. It is all gone That is so not true While you may not have Earthly good such as money and material possessions What you have learned in this life will carry over to the next |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 48020389 United States 11/09/2013 08:17 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | As I get older, I'm starting to realize there's not much point to extending my life way beyond my healthy years. I never go to the doctor for anything and even if I had cancer, I would probably just try to deal with it on my own with natural remedies instead of spending my life savings and my children's inheritance on medical bills. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 48302375 It seems like people today are so disconnected with death and dying. Instead of accepting it and not letting the fear overwhelm them, they do everything they can to delay it at the expense of their own dignity. Are people so afraid of death? Religion contributes to this fear with the christian and catholic idea of hell and purgatory. We need to realize there is nothing to be afraid of. When it is my time to go, I won't fight it, especially if it means spending thousands of dollars and being drugged 24/7. When I know I'm about to die, I want to go up to the mountains and sit in meditation. Maybe do some mushrooms or DMT to experience ego death a few more times to prepare my soul for departure. The last thing I want is to be a burden on anyone. If I had money I would spend it putting me down. |
waterlily User ID: 48755735 United States 11/09/2013 08:21 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | My grandmother regretted it on her deathbed. She spent $350k of her own money (in addition to what private insurance and Medicare paid) to spend 3 years in misery being "treated" for a cancer she was diagnosed with at 84 years old. Her doctors talked her (and more importantly, my grandfather) into it. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1302477 I think there is more than a little bit of this goes on. From what I have seen, it is often the family that won't let go, not the elderly, sick person. Making the assumption that it is the old person clinging to life is so, so wrong in many cases. *********** WaterLily *********** " Do I dare Disturb the universe?" -- T. S. Elliot, Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock ************************************* “We are as ignorant of the meaning of the dragon as we are of the meaning of the universe.” -- Jorge Luis Borges ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Pompey made his preparations for the war at the end of the winter, entered upon it at the commencement of spring, and finished it in the middle of the summer." -- Cicero, De Imperio Cn. Pompei |
waterlily User ID: 48755735 United States 11/09/2013 08:22 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Did I detect a hint of arrogance there? Quoting: waterlily I mean, how can 1 person stand back and cast such a wide net over millions of people he's never set eyes upon? Perhaps they have questioned, as I suspect most people have, in quiet times alone, or in times of desperation. Not everyone is rewarded with immediate answers to deep questions or even had the mechanisms to recognize the answers if they come; its not like a candy machine, you know. If you had ever deeply questioned the purpose of life and gained wisdom from the introspection, I suspect there would be a note of compassion in your words. Feeling superior is an attachment to sensual existence too. Kindness is the way out. The United States Congress Can. Well, we know what Congress is, don't we? Not what anyone would aspire to. *********** WaterLily *********** " Do I dare Disturb the universe?" -- T. S. Elliot, Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock ************************************* “We are as ignorant of the meaning of the dragon as we are of the meaning of the universe.” -- Jorge Luis Borges ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Pompey made his preparations for the war at the end of the winter, entered upon it at the commencement of spring, and finished it in the middle of the summer." -- Cicero, De Imperio Cn. Pompei |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 8337087 United States 11/09/2013 08:25 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Judethz User ID: 47012985 United Kingdom 11/09/2013 08:26 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Because you are young and stupid...have no concept of word DEATH. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 47776201 Nor of Hell either. He probably thinks that the universe "just happened." I just pray that he won't finish up like stupid ole' Charlie Boy here. HI THERE!... [link to www.chick.com (secure)] |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 7293094 United States 11/09/2013 08:26 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 48499539 United States 11/09/2013 08:28 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 49488681 United States 11/09/2013 08:32 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | As I get older, I'm starting to realize there's not much point to extending my life way beyond my healthy years. I never go to the doctor for anything and even if I had cancer, I would probably just try to deal with it on my own with natural remedies instead of spending my life savings and my children's inheritance on medical bills. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 48302375 It seems like people today are so disconnected with death and dying. Instead of accepting it and not letting the fear overwhelm them, they do everything they can to delay it at the expense of their own dignity. Are people so afraid of death? Religion contributes to this fear with the christian and catholic idea of hell and purgatory. We need to realize there is nothing to be afraid of. When it is my time to go, I won't fight it, especially if it means spending thousands of dollars and being drugged 24/7. When I know I'm about to die, I want to go up to the mountains and sit in meditation. Maybe do some mushrooms or DMT to experience ego death a few more times to prepare my soul for departure. The last thing I want is to be a burden on anyone. I agree with you. I see this every single week - people being kept alive in pure misery. They hang on, the system keeps them alive, and their quality of life is just zero. Yes no fear OP :) :turnthekey: |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 14689819 United States 11/09/2013 08:39 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 47738676 United States 11/09/2013 08:42 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I can't imagine living beyond 70 unless I'm healthy and happy. I will happily consume a cocktail of xanax and vodka and go on my merry way at the first sign of trouble. Yep. |
MONSTER User ID: 47033863 United States 11/09/2013 08:43 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Do you have anyone who cares about you? Quoting: natasha77 I want to live and stay healthy for my family, my kids, grandchildren, those who love me and need me. You're entitled, but I think you act selfish, IMO. That's a weird view to me, Natasha. To me it seems pointless and wasteful to cling on to life just for the sake of it - even when you're never going to be healthy or strong again, no matter how much it costs. THAT is my idea of 'selfish'. With the OP 100% on this one. Not everyone is sick and a burden. Times has changed, 70 and 80 year olds are very active and happy. I remember my Grandmother was all bent over and old in her 70's. My sister is 74 and driving her corvette doesn't look over 55 KINGDOMS, NATIONS AND KINGS HAVE BEEN BROUGHT DOWN TO THEIR KNEES WITH ONE GLANCE FROM A WOMAN. I WEAR MY SKIN OF ARMOR SO NO ONE CAN GET IN AND NO ONE CAN GET OUT. HOW CAN I MOURN YOU, WHEN I HAVE NEVER LET YOU GO, monster 1991-2008 RIP |
tiger1 User ID: 17935593 United States 11/09/2013 08:45 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 49710826 United States 11/09/2013 08:45 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | The only thing I know for sure is that God determines when and where we will be born and when and where we will die. We really have no choice about it. If people spend their own money to keep themselves as healthy as they can, then it's their money to spend as they wish. "spending my children's inheritance on medical bills".... says a lot....your parents must be spending money that you want for yourself. They have worked, skimped and saved all their lives and they are entitled to spend their money any way they please. You are entitled to none of it. |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 49650026 United States 11/09/2013 08:49 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 49650026 United States 11/09/2013 08:51 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | The only thing I know for sure is that God determines when and where we will be born and when and where we will die. We really have no choice about it. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 49710826 If people spend their own money to keep themselves as healthy as they can, then it's their money to spend as they wish. "spending my children's inheritance on medical bills".... says a lot....your parents must be spending money that you want for yourself. They have worked, skimped and saved all their lives and they are entitled to spend their money any way they please. You are entitled to none of it. . ... well put!! ... . ... that is maybe the sticking point for many ... . ... O is a perfect example of that kind of thinking .. . |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 42833511 United States 11/09/2013 08:55 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
SilverPatriot User ID: 39491380 United States 11/09/2013 09:32 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | As I get older, I'm starting to realize there's not much point to extending my life way beyond my healthy years. I never go to the doctor for anything and even if I had cancer, I would probably just try to deal with it on my own with natural remedies instead of spending my life savings and my children's inheritance on medical bills. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 48302375 It seems like people today are so disconnected with death and dying. Instead of accepting it and not letting the fear overwhelm them, they do everything they can to delay it at the expense of their own dignity. Are people so afraid of death? Religion contributes to this fear with the christian and catholic idea of hell and purgatory. We need to realize there is nothing to be afraid of. When it is my time to go, I won't fight it, especially if it means spending thousands of dollars and being drugged 24/7. When I know I'm about to die, I want to go up to the mountains and sit in meditation. Maybe do some mushrooms or DMT to experience ego death a few more times to prepare my soul for departure. The last thing I want is to be a burden on anyone. I agree with you. I see this every single week - people being kept alive in pure misery. They hang on, the system keeps them alive, and their quality of life is just zero. Yes no fear OP :) :turnthekey: You will have to look up Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) laws in your state after watching our poor brother suffer for almost a year because his ignorant wife thought her meal ticket could survive overwhelming medical issues kept him alive only to suffer. We filled in our DNR paperwork and spoke to our doctors and we have taken responsibility for our last days upon ourselves thus releasing our loved ones of that burden. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) New York [link to diesmart.com] Advance Directives and Do Not Resuscitate Orders [link to familydoctor.org] |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 48395174 Thailand 11/09/2013 09:37 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | They're materialists attached to their bodies and sensate existence. Humanity is in love with the bone-crushing-blood-drinking drama of life as a digestive tract connected to teeth. They never asked deep questions as to the meaning and purpose of life, and so they measure a good life in longevity rather than in quality of experiences and profundity of thought. As if to age is to become wiser--they bodies get older, but the person is still an infant, really. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 45654737 To fear death is most absurd. WELL SAID ! There are no 'people' that are born or die! You are conditioned to believe that you are the mind/body mechanism and an 'ego' develops around the age of 2 which almost everyone thinks is them. DO SOME DEEP THINKING !!! It is all over the internet now by those that have realized the truth of infinite consciousness. The body is just a walking,talking corpse until the life force dissipates and the elements return. You are 'THAT' already, the spark of awareness. Just for starters watch "The Holographic Universe" 5 parts. And how people grab the nearest religion without actually investigating anything on their own is way too idiotic. |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 789101 Canada 11/09/2013 09:39 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | As I get older, I'm starting to realize there's not much point to extending my life way beyond my healthy years. I never go to the doctor for anything and even if I had cancer, I would probably just try to deal with it on my own Quoting: Anonymous Coward 48302375 Thanks Obama, who needs insurance, right? |