the elderly and death

Question 1

what is death?

Answer 1

the end of life, usually considered as the time when the brain can no longer function

Question 2

what do christians believe about life after death?

Answer 2

they believe that when we die we will be udged by god on our good deeds and our sins. If you have lived a good life then you will go to heaven. if you have sinned you cannot be forgiven and will go to hell

Question 3

what is heaven?

Answer 3

the state of being with god after death

Question 4

what is hell?

Answer 4

the state of being with god (or with the devil) after death

Question 5

what is purgatory?

Answer 5

a time of spiritual cleansing and preparation for heaven

Question 6

what do muslims believe about life after death?

Answer 6

muslims believe that when we die we wait in our graves for judgement day. when judgement day comes allah decides whether or not we go to paradise or to hell for eternity. Those who have sinned but are not wholly evil will have to cross the Assirat bridge carry a book of deeds

Question 7

what are problems that the elderly face?

Answer 7

• rely on low state pension
• ageism
• feeling worthless
• poor health
• less mobile
• dependant on others
• loneliness

Question 8

what are the pros for the elderly still living at home?

Answer 8

still independent and possible with the right support

Question 9

what are the cons for the elderly still living at home?

Answer 9

still relying on others for support - family may not be in a position to help

Question 10

the pros for the elderly still living with family?

Answer 10

it is ideal if they are treated as an important member of the family

Question 11

the cons for the elderly still living with family?

Answer 11

some families are not in the position to facilitate elderly family member or may not want to

Question 12

the pros for the elderly living in community options?

Answer 12

elderly person has 24 hour care, good oppurtunity for them to socialise with people their age

Question 13

the cons for the elderly living in community options?

Answer 13

it can be expensive and they may being to miss their home and independence

Question 14

what are the christian teachings for the elderly and death?

Answer 14

• ‘honour your mother and father’
• ‘love your neighbour’
• ‘we are all one in christ’

Question 15

what are the islam teachings for the elderly and death?

Answer 15

• ‘paradise lies at the feet of your mother’
• ‘the lord hath decreed that ye be kind to parents’
• in islam the elderly are respected and traditionally several generations live together in one home

Question 16

what is euthanasia?

Answer 16

a painless death, by agreement and with compassion to ease suffering

Question 17

what is passive euthanasia?

Answer 17

when someone lets the person die, either by withdrawing or withholding treatment

Question 18

what is active euthanasia?

Answer 18

when death is brought out by an act, e.g. death from an overdose of pain-killers

Question 19

what is voluntary euthanasia?

Answer 19

the person asks the doctor to end their life

Question 20

what is non-voluntary euthanasia?

Answer 20

the person is too ill to ask, but it is believed to be in their best interests

Question 21

what is involuntary euthanasia?

Answer 21

as happened in Nazi Germany, disabled people were killed without consultation

Question 22

what are the arguments for euthanasia?

Answer 22

• ‘love your neighbour’
• quality of life
• hospice

Question 23

what are the arguments against euthanasia?

Answer 23

• muslims believe that life is a test and suffering is part of life
• one of the 10 commandments is ‘do not kill’
• all life is sacred

Question 24

what is a hospice?

Answer 24

a place where people go to die with dignity

Question 25

what is mourning?

Answer 25

a period of time where signs of grief are shown