Are We Living Too Long?

We all should hope to die at 75 according to Ezekiel Emanuel, a physician and considered an architect of the Affordable Care Act. In this piece, he says he wants to live to 75 and only 75. He argues that living beyond that is a loss, because most people become incapacitated, dependent, and chronically ill in the years after 75. Read it over and see what you think.

By the time I reach 75, I will have lived a complete life. I will have loved and been loved. My children will be grown and in the midst of their own rich lives. I will have seen my grandchildren born and beginning their lives. I will have pursued my life’s projects and made whatever contributions, important or not, I am going to make. And hopefully, I will not have too many mental and physical limitations. Dying at 75 will not be a tragedy. Indeed, I plan to have my memorial service before I die. And I don’t want any crying or wailing, but a warm gathering filled with fun reminiscences, stories of my awkwardness, and celebrations of a good life. After I die, my survivors can have their own memorial service if they want—that is not my business.