Ageism

Alert on Late Life Planning in the Health Care Debate

Posted by: Robert N. Butler, M.D.

August 20, 2009 —As the debate over health care reform continues, we at the International Longevity Center are pleased that provisions to cover counseling for late life planning is included in parts of the House and Senate bills. We have long advocated such planning for older persons so they can thoughtfully consider the continuum of end of life services from decisions about treatment options, hospice care and advanced directives (living wills).

This gives people a chance to weigh in on their future when they are healthy and able to do so since those who are incapacitated don’t get this chance.

That this obvious and important need in the life cycle is being misrepresented as government mandated euthanasia for the elderly and others is regrettable and irresponsible. We strongly urge that this be separated from an emotional and irrational debate and be seen for what it is—a vital and necessary service that any responsible person ought to want for themselves and their older family members.

Robert N. Butler, M.D.
President and CEO
International Longevity Center-USA

Dr. Butler is the author of The Longevity Revolution (New York: Public Affairs, 2008)

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Keywords: health care reform, hospice care, living wills

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