A doctor and medical ethicist argues life after 75 is not worth living (Ezekiel Emanuel keeps at it)

MIT Technology Review ^ | August 21, 2019 | Stephen S. Hall

[DoodleBob]

In October 2014, Ezekiel Emanuel published an essay in the Atlantic called “Why I Hope to Die at 75.” Because Emanuel is a medical doctor and chair of the University of Pennsylvania’s department of medical ethics and health policy, as well as a chief architect of Obamacare, the article stirred enormous controversy.

Emanuel vowed to refuse not only heroic medical interventions once he turned 75, but also antibiotics and vaccinations. His argument: older Americans live too long in a diminished state, raising the question of, as he put it, “whether our consumption is worth our contribution.”

Emanuel was born into a combative clan. One brother, Rahm, recently completed two terms as the controversial mayor of Chicago; another brother, Ari, is a high-profile Hollywood agent. But even given his DNA, Emanuel’s death wish was a provocative argument from a medical ethicist and health-care expert.

Emanuel, now 62, talked with me about the social implications of longevity research and why he isn’t a fan of extending life spans. I was particularly curious to get his reaction to several promising new anti-aging drugs.

[American in Israel]

Perhaps without all the vaccinations and antibiotics the Doctor will find life not so diminished...

[Sooth2222]

Q: What’s wrong with simply enjoying an extended life? A: These people who live a vigorous life to 70, 80, 90 years of age—when I look at what those people “do,” almost all of it is what I classify as play. It’s not meaningful work. They’re riding motorcycles; they’re hiking. Which can all have value—don’t get me wrong. But if it’s the main thing in your life? Ummm, that’s not probably a meaningful life.

Do completely disabled individuals do anything meaningful? (Do Democrats in Congress do anything meaningful?) Would it be best if they all be ground up into Soylent Green and sold to China?

And the left has the nerve to say that Trump is Hitler????

[gov_bean_ counter]

Why hope, you can make it happen???

Better question,
Why wait??

[gov_bean_ counter]

Why hope, you can make it happen???

Better question,
Why wait??

[polymuser]

I might be for this IF the first round is all lawyers and school teachers.
Then politicians and union leaders.
Then take a poll about it.

[cgbg]

Hello, Joe Biden!

This thread is for you, buddy. ;-)

[Islander7]

“Why I Hope to Die at 75.”

We can make your dreams come true, Zeek!

[dangerdoc]

He’s a lib, his pronouncements do not include himself. Besides if you can start killing old folks it will speed up their planned demographics changes.

[Diogenesis]

not enough children to go around for the pedovores?

[I want the USA back]

In how many years will it become compulsory? Remember Logan’s Run?

[jz638]

I was going to be charitable and give the man the benefit of the doubt. After all, anyone looking at caring for a lol over one facing a future where Parkinson's, dementia, heart disease, Alzheimer's, cancer, diabetes, or any number of advanced age diseases mean that their remaining years are not just significantly diminished, but only possible with an ever increasing regimine of medical care. For many people, the last portion of their lives is only possible with the intervention of modern science, has the least amount of dignity, the most suffering, and the most cost.

These people who live a vigorous life to 70, 80, 90 years of age—when I look at what those people “do,” almost all of it is what I classify as play. It’s not meaningful work. They’re riding motorcycles; they’re hiking. Which can all have value—don’t get me wrong. But if it’s the main thing in your life? Ummm, that’s not probably a meaningful life.

Nope... he's a monster.

[taterjay]

Devaluing human life in terms of economics.

Just what I thought. If you aren’t contributing to making the federal government bigger then you are nothing.

Nothing to be said for teaching your grandkids things, enjoying some finer things in life, working part time at a museum or other things like that.

My father in law will be 82, and since 75 he has cranked out a book per year in family history for each of his son is laws or other extended family. He is doing research every day practically. This includes taking into account health that is slowly declining too. He is doing something Invaluable for his family.

Zeke is wrong. The discussions and opinions with these people need to end. Just tell them they are wrong.

[Sacajaweau]

Damn....gonna be 76 in a couple of months. Cook, clean, do historical research....have fun with family and friends.

Very fortunate....no meds. But do have to have my cataracts taken care of soon.

[KarlInOhio]

Q: What’s wrong with simply enjoying an extended life? A: These people who live a vigorous life to 70, 80, 90 years of age—when I look at what those people “do,” almost all of it is what I classify as play. It’s not meaningful work. They’re riding motorcycles; they’re hiking. Which can all have value—don’t get me wrong. But if it’s the main thing in your life? Ummm, that’s not probably a meaningful life.

You live to serve the State and at 75 you must die to serve the State.

And they have the nerve to call us fascists.

[stockpirate]

Truth be told he probley takes every anti-aging drug he can lay his hands on.

[stinkerpot65]

Democrats are evil scum.

[liberalh8ter]

So? he should off himself. This cabal of evil that wishes to push their repugnant ideas on the rest of us needs to go away.

[Louis Foxwell]

Clearly he is a man who does not know God.

[Salvey]

Like all leftist, totalitarian, true believers, he gets to decide what’s a meaningful life.

[Louis Foxwell]

A JINO.