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Potential interest of the elderly in active euthanasia
Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
|March 1, 1977
Summary
Many elderly individuals expressed interest in active euthanasia options like lethal injections or pills if terminally ill. Most preferred to live but believed these end-of-life alternatives should be available.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Bioethics
- Public Health
Background:
- The increasing elderly population raises questions about end-of-life care preferences.
- Understanding the views of older adults on medical assistance in dying is crucial for policy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the interest of elderly individuals in active euthanasia.
- To explore preferences for specific methods of euthanasia among the elderly population.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among elderly individuals, including institutional applicants and community residents.
- Participants were questioned about their potential interest in active euthanasia and preferred methods.
Main Results:
- 19% of institutional applicants and 23% of community residents expressed interest in a lethal injection.
- 10% of institutional applicants and 9% of community residents favored a lethal pill if hopelessly ill.
- A majority of community residents, while preferring to live, supported the availability of euthanasia options.
Conclusions:
- A notable percentage of elderly individuals are interested in active euthanasia options.
- The study highlights a significant demand for end-of-life choices among the elderly population.
- There is a perceived need for accessible alternatives for elderly individuals facing terminal illness.