[Care for the incurable elderly].

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Philosophy of Medicine

Context:

• Medicine's historical focus on cure has led to neglecting the 'human soul' and holistic patient care.
• The 19th-century shift to scientific objectivity sidelined the importance of the mind in healing.
• Modern medicine faces criticism for technological futility and overlooking the needs of incurable patients.

Purpose:

• To advocate for the revival of the human soul and dignity at the core of medical practice.
• To re-emphasize the art of dying and promote peaceful death as a key medical goal.
• To integrate palliative care principles, exemplified by 'natural-end cancer,' into mainstream medicine.

Summary:

• The study critiques modern medicine's cure-centric ideology, arguing it neglects the human soul and the art of dying.
• It proposes reviving patient dignity and holistic care, particularly for those with incurable conditions.
• Palliative care and the concept of a 'natural end' are presented as ideals for achieving peaceful death.

Impact:

• Re-centers the patient's spiritual and emotional well-being within medical practice.
• Promotes a shift towards valuing the quality of life and death, not just cure.
• Encourages a more compassionate and dignified approach to end-of-life care.