Better than dying young.

Living into one’s 80s isn’t necessarily a bad option in life. Even if one eventually dies of complications from dementia/Alzheimer’s. Maybe that beats dying young. In one’s 40s, 50s or 60s. Everyone has to answer that for himself/herself. But I know which I’d choose. Give me a long life. Even if I have to die in a demented state. Yes, I know that ain’t a nice way to end one’s life. Dying ain’t pretty. No matter the way. My neighbor Julie has both of her parents living today. In their 80s. And both with dementia.  Julie’s mother Arlene may be gone by the end of the day. She’s in the hospital. Just taken off a respirator that helps her breathe. Without it, she’s expected to die. Arlene had a good life. As teacher and mother and decent human being.  And so has her dad Ron, who used to be a scientist at 3M Co.  He’s still in reasonably good physical health. But his mind is far from what it used to be.  Julie and husband Rick have been care-givers in their home for over four years. And they have been stretched and stressed thin by the experience. But still, they consider themselves lucky. In fact, blessed. For having Arlene and Ron around for such a long time. Better than if they had died young. –Jim Broede