Long Life - a blessing??

It is easy to overlook the fact that , for the first time in human history, most people consider it normal that one could live easily up to 75-80...not just in the richer nations but also in most other parts of the world except those ravaged by epidemics like AIDS/ genocidal wars.



Living in the US for the past 4 years, I am no longer sure I look forward to that prospect.



The harsh realities of living long- failing health , burden on care-givers and relatives, growing sense of irrelevance, perpetual fear of economic peril - seem to be more and more poignant than the idyllic view of being the ' wise old man/ woman ' sought after for counsel and surrounded by doting grandchildren and children.



Those idyllic views made sense when 'old age' meant 55-65 , when most of one's faculties were functioning and reasonable saving habits would make one self- reliant post- retirement.



Even in India, where it is still politically / socially incorrect to talk about this openly, the ignomity endured in silence by older men and women is tragic.



There are of course few examples of older people making the most of life- often on the covers of AARP magazines and newsletters or on brochures for speciality cruises.



It's equally painful to have the prospect of longevity and its economic implications burdening the enjoyment of daily living as soon as retirement starts ! Even if one is reasonably wealthy and healthy, the reality of declining physical and economic well-being in the face of living till late 80's will make it difficult to enjoy living.



So, what?



My hypothesis is , within the next 10 years- say by 2020, the notion of voluntary cessation of living will assume growing social, cultural , political and legal legitimacy , at least in most of the developed nations. Thought it may sound far fetched today, it will be framed as an issue of' human rights'.



It will perhaps be the most divisive and bitterly contested issue - making Gay rights battle look like innocent indulgence. The religious and cultural unacceptability of this issue will be pittted against the sober economic realism of uncontrolled healthcare and eldercare costs and an equally powerful and compelling compaign by the elderly to choose quality and dignity of life over longevity .



It is not such a novel idea. Some religions prescribe, sanction and revere the choice one may make to end life voluntarily by fasting. Jainism is a very good example.



In all cultures, the notion of giving up life for protecting the dignity of one's tribe/ culture / country is considered noble. War , as a concept, cannot exist without such a notion.



How much of a stretch it is to argue that dignity of one's own living is as important as dignity of one's tribe - particularly when the choice is about one's own life- not others ?



There will be bitter battles on ' how ' even if the ' should ' question gets settled.



I do not see how this cannot become one of the central issues our society has to deal with in the next two decades.



I guess mine will be the first generation to feel the full impact of this issue- whatever be the outcome.