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At What Age Is Life No Longer Worth It?

So...Kirk Douglas is 103 today. Leaving aside the man's character and whatever happened in his past, his life can't be any fun right?

He looks like he's been dead several years, he's in a wheelchair, I assume he's wearing diapers. Every bio I've read of a person who lives to a ripe old age, emphasis on ripe, the last years are basically just waiting to die. You're essentially blind. You can't really move. What sayeth DL?

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by Anonymousreply 68December 12, 2019 3:49 PM

He probably has around the clock care and obviously family that loves him, so he’s probably better off than many middle class 60yo’s.

by Anonymousreply 1December 10, 2019 7:04 AM

I agre, in most cases. My grandfather lived to be 104. He was in a nursing home shortly before his death. He was the only one in his ward who could still walk, so he went around getting glasses of water for other patients and helping them eat. The nurses loved him.

by Anonymousreply 2December 10, 2019 7:04 AM

My next door neighbor lived to 114, when she died she was officially the oldest person in the US. But she was still pretty good, only big issue she had was that it had become difficult for her to walk so she was also using a wheelchair. But her mind was shark and her sense of humor was great, pretty amazing.

by Anonymousreply 3December 10, 2019 7:06 AM

When I'm 103, I'll look 65!

by Anonymousreply 4December 10, 2019 7:11 AM

He looks very dashing !

by Anonymousreply 5December 10, 2019 7:32 AM

It depends upon the person. One of my former teachers lived until she was 107. Her mind was as sharp as it had ever been, and her memory was amazing. She had round the clock caregivers during her last few years because her mobility had become somewhat impaired, She didn't even look excessively old. I realize, of course that she was an exception, and some people are ready to die at the age of 60.

by Anonymousreply 6December 10, 2019 7:36 AM

Whilst life expectancy has risen over the decades (I understand it is on decline in some countries but that is another story) I doubt it goes with quality of life. Most older people are on lots of meds and suffer chronic pain and don't have quality of life. They are alive but not really living so whilst people are generally living longer they aren't getting the quality.

It is also very easy for younger people to think - I wouldn't want that I'm out of here - but I do tend to think that its very hard for a lot of people to let go of life. Once is over its over for good. No second chances (sorry Shitley MacLaine I don't buy yours or anybody else's crap about an afterlife or another life of whatever shit the religious and kooks are peddling.). Life is great for a lot of people when they are young but it shit for most as they age.

by Anonymousreply 7December 10, 2019 7:42 AM

I read somewhere that people that live to a great age are able to do so because of genetics. Most of the people you see that are impaired die relatively young. Very old people aren’t fat, don’t get cancer, etc.

by Anonymousreply 8December 10, 2019 7:45 AM

103 is too long past the expiry date, too long to cling on to limited mobility, advanced sensory diminishment, frailty, friends and family having long preceded you in death, dependence upon caregivers, a calendar that turns on medical appointments, people treating you like a rather stupid child...

by Anonymousreply 9December 10, 2019 7:52 AM

My mother in law lived to be 90 and the last 5/6 years were absolute hell. She used to beg me to kill her. She'd been a devout Catholic for her entire life but stopped believing in God because no God would put her through old age. Eventually she didn't recognise any of us, became abusive and violent and we had to put her in a home. She was there one night and was kicked out for being violent. She had to go to a more suitable home and lasted a further 3 months before she died. It was a huge relief all round. I have no intention of lasting that long.

by Anonymousreply 10December 10, 2019 7:59 AM

Remember when he seduced a supposedly anti-Semitic woman and told her mid-thrust he was fucking her with his Jewish cock?

This man lives and breathes sexual violence.

by Anonymousreply 11December 10, 2019 8:10 AM

R11 we might let that one instance pass.

by Anonymousreply 12December 10, 2019 8:12 AM

I can't believe he is 5 times my age!

by Anonymousreply 13December 10, 2019 9:21 AM

R12 it’s still nasty.

by Anonymousreply 14December 10, 2019 9:23 AM

People should be able to die when they want to.

by Anonymousreply 15December 10, 2019 9:26 AM

For the most part, 18.

by Anonymousreply 16December 10, 2019 9:34 AM

Never!

by Anonymousreply 17December 10, 2019 9:42 AM

Let him suffer.

by Anonymousreply 18December 10, 2019 9:42 AM

One just wants to fuckin die but ones' country is up shit creek and ones' family are a bunch of fuckin deadshits so one must go on living.

by Anonymousreply 19December 10, 2019 9:44 AM

Only a loser would ponder this.

by Anonymousreply 20December 10, 2019 9:48 AM

At whatever age one finds it no longer worth it.

by Anonymousreply 21December 10, 2019 10:16 AM

When I can no longer do the things that give me meaning and pleasure.

Woody Allen once quipped that you can live forever if you give up everything that would make you *want* to live forever. From what I see around me, around 75 or 80 it's time to check out. I have no interest in spending my last decade housebound and in a diaper.

by Anonymousreply 22December 10, 2019 10:39 AM

I always say that I have no interest in getting to be really fucking old. I'm not sure what the exact number would be - but when I'm in daily pain/discomfort and can't really enjoy life anymore, that is too old for me. I'd rather die happy than old.

by Anonymousreply 23December 10, 2019 1:41 PM

My godmother lived to nearly 104, in her own home, with little outside assistance. Her 100th. birthday was attended by over 75 relatives and friends from around the country. Her warmth, positive outlook, and amazing tamales, were a legend. She also helped me through an abusive childhood, but that's for some other time.

by Anonymousreply 24December 10, 2019 1:57 PM

He’s a repulsive walking corpse. Push the old reptile down the stairs already. I can’t imagine what his celebrity healthcare is costing.

by Anonymousreply 25December 10, 2019 2:22 PM

If you are sick, it is time to go.

by Anonymousreply 26December 10, 2019 2:24 PM

I had a boyfriend whose father died in his forties and who thought he'd die young too and lived accordingly. Meanwhile, his grandfather, an electrical engineer whose biggest thrill was listening to baseball on the radio, lived quite happily to be 100.

by Anonymousreply 27December 10, 2019 2:30 PM

When Lindsay Graham starts bullshitting the whole country, it is no longer worth it.

by Anonymousreply 28December 11, 2019 2:31 PM

Well his eyebrows are on fleek!

by Anonymousreply 29December 11, 2019 2:32 PM

I’d say anything past 80 for me personally is too long, but others don’t mind loving that long, so more power to them. I can’t imagine being 100+ years old in a wheelchair and in a diaper, however, that seems like it would be uncomfortable.

by Anonymousreply 30December 11, 2019 2:59 PM

My mother in law will never die. She's 80, and in the 10 years I've been with her son, she's gone blind, had a stroke, amputated a foot due to diabetes, pneumonia twice, survived a MRSA infection, and a malignant tumor removed from her back.

I guess evil never dies.

by Anonymousreply 31December 11, 2019 3:17 PM

That chicken soup from Oscar's must be some really strong shit!

by Anonymousreply 32December 11, 2019 3:26 PM

What does that question even mean? People live until they die. Are old people supposed to commit suicide? Are their relatives supposed to murder them?

by Anonymousreply 33December 11, 2019 3:30 PM

I think 80 years is plenty for men, maybe 85 for women.

by Anonymousreply 34December 11, 2019 3:30 PM

It's different for each person, but I generally think that if you become dependent on younger people and need meds, your time is up.

by Anonymousreply 35December 11, 2019 3:39 PM

This varies widely and both health and wealth are major factors.

by Anonymousreply 36December 11, 2019 3:42 PM

Dementia runs strong on my mother's side of the family, that's what I'm really scared of.

by Anonymousreply 37December 11, 2019 3:43 PM

If you have lots o' money, no age

Otherwise 50

by Anonymousreply 38December 11, 2019 3:46 PM

Look at poor Betty White, can't walk, no teeth, forgets what day and night is, can't even remember how to eat or shit.

by Anonymousreply 39December 11, 2019 3:48 PM

Kirk has plenty of money but what quality of life does he really have?

by Anonymousreply 40December 11, 2019 4:11 PM

Part of the reason he looks so bad is that he seems to have had some work done on his face and his eyes - although that can't possibly be true given his age.

Something has clearly happened since even his 100th birthday - just 3 years ago - when he looked much better.

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by Anonymousreply 41December 11, 2019 4:12 PM

My folks were fine until about age 88-90. My grandmother was fine until 96. All three went quickly.

I’m planning, financially, to live to be 100, though expecting to die, maybe, in my mid 80s. I don’t want to runout of money when I’m no longer able to earn more, hence the planning for 100.

by Anonymousreply 42December 11, 2019 4:19 PM

What do you mean by "worth it?" For me, it's about quality of life. If I can't walk or toilet, or eat on my own, if I can't see or hear, and I'm pretty much just some living organism with not much going on except a heart beat, then yeah, kill me. I think 95 would be my cut off. The idea of having someone wash the shit off my ass and change my diapers, or feed me mush is disgusting to me. And yet I know there are people out here who are fully functioning at 95. Not as fast or as sharp as they once were, but alert and aware and functioning.

by Anonymousreply 43December 11, 2019 4:21 PM

Kirk looks like Mason Verger these days. After he peeled off his face of course.

by Anonymousreply 44December 11, 2019 4:26 PM

[quote]but I do tend to think that its very hard for a lot of people to let go of life. Once is over its over for good. No second chances (sorry Shitley MacLaine I don't buy yours or anybody else's crap about an afterlife or another life of whatever shit the religious and kooks are peddling.)

So you use the words shit and crap to validate your ignorance. SO impressive.

by Anonymousreply 45December 11, 2019 4:31 PM

As others have said, there is no hard and fast cut off date, it is different for each person. I have personally known four women who have lived to 100 or more. Two of them lived independently until their death, still driving and living on their own, they seemed perfectly happy until death. One had to give up driving and had to have her granddaughter move in with her, but hasn't become a burden and likewise seems happy and contented, with a sharp mind. However, the last one spent the last 20 years of her life as a virtual vegetable, being cared for around the clock by her children and daughter in-law, I doubt she was happy.

by Anonymousreply 46December 11, 2019 4:36 PM

Queen Elizabeth, 93, seems to be still generally on top of things, relatively mobile, and in overall decent health.

Frankly, I think if she slows down, she'll permanently slow down. I think it's the need to stay on top of things that keeps her going.

by Anonymousreply 47December 11, 2019 4:46 PM

He’s 103? Still a toddler!

by Anonymousreply 48December 11, 2019 4:57 PM

Mother at 86 is as functional as she was at 70. 90%+ is genetics from what I’ve seen. But it’s expensive. I wont be able to afford it. Hoping it’s somewhere between my dads age - 62 - and hers. Planning on 72-73. May want to live longer if I feel ok - but may be in a homeless shelter as I’ll be broke,

by Anonymousreply 49December 11, 2019 5:04 PM

[Quote]What does that question even mean? People live until they die. Are old people supposed to commit suicide? Are their relatives supposed to murder them?

R33, how about when their quality of life is practically nil? Many elderly people would love assisted death at this point, but their loved ones insist that they continue living, simply because they don't want to grieve over them any sooner than necessary. People live until they die, you say? Well, some people are kept living when they should've already died.

I greatly appreciate modern medicine for extending the lives of otherwise healthy and vibrant people who are HIV+, diabetic, cancer-stricken, and such. But there comes a time when you're basically keeping alive a corpse through medical intervention. If I'm at that point in my life, then just let me go. Don't keep me alive in misery just to postpone your grieving of me.

by Anonymousreply 50December 11, 2019 5:04 PM

I'm am weeks from my 70th birthday and I am ready to give up. I am always in extreme pain and they no longer give anything for pain. I have COPD, my lungs are at 15%. I am also poor and can't get much help. Life is becoming tortuous and I wish we could get euthanasia when the quality of life becomes untenable.

by Anonymousreply 51December 11, 2019 5:53 PM

Sorry R51. I hate that older people can’t get the drugs that will help them live with less pain - because a bunch of red state Deplorables got hooked on them illegally. A crime that people are left to suffer unnecessarily.

by Anonymousreply 52December 11, 2019 6:11 PM

I'm sorry to hear that, r51. I suppose you don't live in a state where medically assisted death is legal, or if so, you don't qualify. Perhaps you can make your own decision and arrangements about this. It's painful for your loved ones, but I wouldn't want to live in continuous and permanent pain for the rest of my years, either. In extreme cases like yours, I think the choice should definitely be yours, and not that of your loved ones and well-meaning society.

[Quote]Physician-assisted suicide is legal in nine US states and the District of Columbia. It is an option given to individuals by law in the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont and Washington. It is an option given to individuals in Montana and California via court decision.

[Quote]Individuals must have a terminal illness as well as a prognosis of six months or less to live. Physicians cannot be prosecuted for prescribing medications to hasten death.

by Anonymousreply 53December 11, 2019 6:15 PM

How much does it cost to go to Switzerland?

Do a Go Fund Me thingy.

by Anonymousreply 54December 11, 2019 6:17 PM

Datalounge won't allow publishing of the link, but the quotes are from a CNN article regarding the subject of physician assisted death.

by Anonymousreply 55December 11, 2019 6:21 PM

R50 I think America generally has a culture of deathphobia, but I'm not sure what it's like in places like Canada and European countries and others.

by Anonymousreply 56December 11, 2019 6:21 PM

I’m 45 and can’t imagine living with wrinkled, old textured skin with large hardened nose and ears. I’m more concerned about losing my looks than bad health that will be coming.

by Anonymousreply 57December 11, 2019 6:24 PM

[R50] I think America generally has a culture of deathphobia

You see it on here all the time.

People backing Bernie for starters.

Suggesting actresses of 82 be given new shows on TV, 70 year olds, sexy roles in movies.

by Anonymousreply 58December 11, 2019 6:29 PM

At 30. Like in Logan's Run.

by Anonymousreply 59December 11, 2019 6:45 PM

R53 I live in CA but you have to be terminal. Even at 15% lung capacity, you can live a few years. I have no family. I have told my doctors that I don't want to live anymore and have an advanced directive filed at the hospital. It is criminal to make people suffer like this.

by Anonymousreply 60December 11, 2019 6:51 PM

My Nazi-sympathizing grandfather lived to 98; my dad said "God doesn't want him and the devil is afraid he'll take his job."

by Anonymousreply 61December 11, 2019 7:00 PM

Maybe Kirk Douglas can answer the all important question: Does Viagra work after 100?

by Anonymousreply 62December 11, 2019 7:11 PM

No. Americans are obsessed with staying young. Looking young, dressing like teenagers well into our 60's. But they don't give enough attention to healthy lifestyles. The fact is we are living longer for a variety of reasons. We have to think seriously about how we want that "longer" to be.

When you hit your 40's you need to start looking at your habits, and deciding whether you believe they will keep you healthy. If you smoke and drink a lot, no exercise, and have a poor diet then you're going to develop health issues by the time you hit 60, if not sooner. And thus begins the slow deterioration of the physical plant, our bodies.

Being healthy should be our focus, not how we look. I want to look good, of course. but I want to look and be healthy. I stopped smoking a few years ago. I exercise four times a week, I drink wine in moderation, and I gave up red meat and processed foods. I do have a sweet tooth and I try to curb it. But I'm determined to stay mobile and healthy.

After visiting my grandmother in a nursing home, looking at people in a vegetative state, people in wheel chairs, I do not want that to happen to me. If I lose mobility and my other faculties keeping me alive is pointless. My quality of life would be gone. The only reason to keep people alive in that situation is so someone can profit from the insurance money. I'm talking about the nursing home industry.

by Anonymousreply 63December 12, 2019 12:28 PM

There's a woman in my neighborhood who is 112. I kid you not. She lives in an assisted living home on my road. She's mobile, very sharp mentally and enjoys life. She is the rarity. For most of us, I would say 85 is a good age to check out.

by Anonymousreply 64December 12, 2019 12:34 PM

The age to die is the age you actually die. People age very differently and therefore there is no “best age.” Most important, the decision is entirely up to the individual or their legal proxy (make sure you have one by middle age).

by Anonymousreply 65December 12, 2019 12:58 PM

R51, so sorry to hear that. Hope you find some relief from your pain in whatever form that may take. Chronic pain is a nightmare. Have you tried cannabis oil or pills?

by Anonymousreply 66December 12, 2019 3:33 PM

Yes R66 I do edibles at night but can't vape due to COPD. The edibles don't really touch the pain but can make it livable. I don't like being stoned all the time and I can not afford it.

by Anonymousreply 67December 12, 2019 3:48 PM

He looks like the Baron in "What We Do In The Shadows."

by Anonymousreply 68December 12, 2019 3:49 PM
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