Death and the Elderly

Question 1

Heaven

Answer 1

A state of being with God after Death

Question 2

Hell

Answer 2

A state of being without God after Death

Question 3

Purgatory

Answer 3

A time of spiritual cleansing and preparation for heaven

Question 4

Reincarnation

Answer 4

Being born again in another form

Question 5

Rebirth

Answer 5

Continuing life in another form

Question 6

Ageism

Answer 6

Prejudice and discrimination against the elderly

Question 7

Euthanasia

Answer 7

Inducing a painless death, by agreement and with compassion to ease suffering. Not legal in the UK but it’s legal in Holland

Question 8

Voluntary Euthanasia

Answer 8

A person gives consent to die

Question 9

Non-voluntary euthanasia

Answer 9

A person is not able to give their consent to die

Question 10

Passive Euthanasia

Answer 10

When the patient dies because the medical professionals either don’t do something necessary to keep the patient alive or when they stop doing something that is keeping the patient alive.

Question 11

Active Euthanasia

Answer 11

When the medical professionals or another person deliberately do something that cause the patient to die

Question 12

Assisted suicide

Answer 12

A person gives someone the means to end their own life.

Question 13

Hospice

Answer 13

A place were terminally ill people go for support to end their lives

Question 14

Palliative Care

Answer 14

Care that doesn’t cure but will make and I’ll person more comfortable

Question 15

Ordinary means

Answer 15

Someone is kept alive using drugs, careens food

Question 16

Extra-ordinary means

Answer 16

A person is kept alive on life supports machines, very expensive operations

Question 17

Death

Answer 17

The end of life which can be determined in several ways but normally when brain stops functioning

Question 18

What are the problems that the elderly?

Answer 18

Often elderly people rely on state pensions which can lead to great financial difficulty. They may face loneliness, especially their husband or wife dies. More than a million elderly people live alone in the UK. Many elderly people feel undervalued and would prefer to continue to work to keep to some normality. With old age comes problems with ill and health. Elderly people may be less mobile and rely on other people to other people to get around.

Question 19

Who do religious beliefs say that the elderly should be looked after by?

Answer 19

In Islamic worlds there are no old people’s homes. Muslims believe that serving one’s parents is a duty second only to prayer ans so the strain of caring for one’s parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honour and a blessing. In the bible it says ‘honour your mother and father’ they are taught to look after the elderly ans sick members of the family and should mare sure they receive they care they need. In cases were the elderly have no family to look after them the Christian church acts as the social services agency for other believers.

Question 20

What are the arguments for Euthanasia?

Answer 20

Death with dignity, Suicide is legal, Freedom of choice and ends needless suffering.

Question 21

What are the arguments against Euthanasia?

Answer 21

There are alternatives, It can be a slippery slope and some say that you shouldn’t play God.

Question 22

What does St. Richards Hospice do?

Answer 22

Cares for patients and families in Worcestershire who are living with cancer or other life threatening illnesses.

Question 23

What does Acorns Children’s Hospice do?

Answer 23

Care for children who are terminally ill, along with their families. Making their months and sometimes years more comfortable, as well as giving the parents a small break from the difficulties that having a child who is terminally ill.

Question 24

What do Roman Catholics say about Euthanasia and Hospices?

Answer 24

Euthanasia is a form of murder. The sanctity of life is a gift from God. Morally this is a crime and Christ suffered on the cross therefore we must accept suffering.

Question 25

What does Joesph Fletcher say about Euthanasia and Hospices?

Answer 25

Fletcher believed that the quality of life was more important than the sanctity of life. If someone is suffering and in a great deal of pain and suffering and they wanted help to end their lives then helping them would be the most loving thing to do.

Question 26

What does Islam say about Euthanasia and Hospices?

Answer 26

Euthanasia is a form of murder. The sanctity of life. Allah may be testing a person through suffering. Muslims are banned from killing themselves. However Allah teaches them to be merciful and that if they are suffering should ask Allah for help through prayer. You will spend eternity in hell if you die through Euthanasia.