How To Die Essay -- Psychology

Death has always been part of human culture. It’s viewed in all kinds of manners, ranging from the worst enemy to a welcome liberator. In today’s society, death and the culture of death expand ever so quickly as people live longer on more advanced medicine, and thus die older and weaker. Of course, eventually everyone will face the prospect of taking their last breaths. Therefore it becomes necessary to give serious thought about how we choose to die in an intensifying plethora of options. Some believe in fighting until the disease wins with the best technology and best treatments without regard to cost. Others believe that after a certain age, or certain period of â€Å"extreme treatments†, the ill should accept their fate and die with â€Å"dignity†, off the machines and any radical treatments. Few physicians recommend the second option, because they are expected to do everything humanely possible to keep patients alive. With a range of increasing medic al technology, it’s only become easier to do so. However, the effectiveness and relative comfort of these new remedies are another question entirely. Renouncing the desperate fighting philosophy, the hospice institution takes the issue of dying in a different perspective. Hospice supports a submissive approach to dying, allowing the patient to experience a natural, dignified death without painful or bizarre treatments. Many times, spiritual and emotional counseling to the patient and his or her family is also offered. How to end a normal life seems to rest on how much people want to defy death. The point of disconnect occurs when people have to decide which is nobler: a courageous fight, or a graceful acceptance. We generally want to live as long as we possibly can, but can the way we end ... ...is-the-quality-of-life-it-gives-the-patient.html>. "Right-to-die Statement: Tony Nicklinson Says Stroke Left 'no Dignity or Privacy'" The Guardian. Ed. Press Association. Guardian News and Media, 12 Mar. 2012. Web. 02 Apr. 2012. . Siamak, MD, Nabili T. "MedicineNet.com." MedicineNet. Ed. Melissa C. Stà ¶ppler, MD. MedicineNet, Inc. Web. 02 Apr. 2012. . Steven, Reinberg. "Medicare Costs for Cancer Treatment Soar." US News. U.S.News & World Report, 10 June 2008. Web. 02 Apr. 2012. . Williams, Mary E. "Hospice Care Benefits The Terminally Ill." Terminal Illness: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven, 2001. 17-26. Print.