With recent talk of Joe Biden appointing Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel to his Covid-19 task force, an article published on Technology Review dot com has been circulating on social media. An outrage has ensued as commenters express fears that someone like Dr. Emanuel could possibly play a part in creating policies that would affect older Americans. Considering his views on the lives of the elderly, they’re probably right to be a bit concerned. As someone who works primarily with those over the age of 65, I have very strong opinions on his comments in this article.
The premise of the article is this: People over the age of 75 are basically, in the eyes of Dr. Emanuel, no longer useful to society as a whole, and are a drain on resources. He even argues that once he hits 75 years old, he doesn’t care to receive any curative treatments. His idea is that even if a person lives a vibrant life into their 90’s, if they aren’t working and contributing to society in the same way that a pre-retirement worker would be, their life has no purpose or use.
I have to start by saying this: I fully support Dr. Emanuel’s wish to decline treatments after the age of 75. Medical treatments should ALWAYS BE OPTIONAL. If he doesn’t feel that his life has purpose after 75, and therefore doesn’t care to even take an antibiotic when he gets a sinus infection, that is his choice. His current age being 63, I think it’s unlikely that when faced with these decisions at 75 that he will maintain his staunch stance. In fact, I anticipate that he will either reverse his position, or those who know him personally will witness some major hypocrisy in his actions. We will see.
As for his idea that those over 75 are a drain on society and contribute nothing useful to it, I have to adamantly disagree. To say that someone who isn’t “working,” isn’t contributing is arrogant and ignorant. In fact, I think some life experience would teach the good doctor that not only is there a lot to be learned from our elders, but there are blessings that abound from our time with them that we may never even recognize! Even a non-verbal patient with profound dementia has a purpose in this world, whether we recognize that or not. Consider the nurse who learns a skill about skin care from that patient, that later saves the lives of others. Consider the family members who learn about selflessness and unconditional love as they care for their loved one. Consider the researchers who learn from that patient and are able to implement curative care to others later. This list could go on and on, because at the end of the day, each person has a purpose on this earth, and that purpose continues until their death. Deciding that they don’t, is a can of worms that should never be opened. If “meaningful contribution” was the yardstick by which we measured a life’s value, there would be millions who did not measure up. Babies, disabled persons, ill, elderly, homeless, drug addicted, poor, and even lazy people could all come up short. Would Dr. Emanuel suggest that we stop treating their illnesses as well?
Life has value. Every single, solitary life has value and there is nobody, not a doctor, or a politician, or anyone else who should be given the authority to decide if or when that value has expired. While I maintain that he is free to express his opinion and free to decline treatment for himself, I remain firm in my stance that his ideas should never be used to affect the medical outcome of others.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this below!
Pingback:Nurses: Before You Switch to Hospice, Grab this Guide to Positions, Pay, and Preparations! – The Helpful Hospice Nurse