Religious Attitudes to the Elderly and Death. L.O. To re-examine the key ideas of this topic in preparation for the exam.

Overview For this topic you need to know: The problems faced by the elderly The care options available Religious teachings on care of the elderly The Euthanasia law and debate The use of life support machines and when they should be switched off The role of Hospices How religious teachings can help the dying and bereaved What religions believe about life after death.

Problems faced by the Elderly Poverty is a real problem with many elderly people having to rely on a state pension or benefits. Some elderly people feel undervalued and discarded once they retire. Health problems are more common. They may become less mobile and more dependent on others. Loneliness after the loss of a husband or wife They may feel they are a burden on family and society in general.

Care options for the Elderly Living at home With support of adaptations eg. Stair lift, hand rails etc or home helps for cleaning or personal care, meals on wheels to supply one or more meals a day. Family or neighbours may also give support with shopping etc. Living with Family This is a feature of the extended family favoured by many eastern cultures and religions. Care options for the Elderly Care homes – for the elderly who are unwell. They may also be hospitalised for short term treatment. For a terminal illness they may be admitted to an hospice for their final days. Sheltered housing – renting a small flat within a complex with a warden on duty to help when needed. Community Options Residential homes – providing care when people can no longer look after themselves.

What do Sikhism and Christianity say about the Elderly? The fifth commandment says, ‘Honour your father and mother.’ Christians should support the elderly because they should be respected and are vulnerable. When the elderly are no longer independent the best care should be provided. Churches provide facilities for the elderly and pastoral support, including regular Holy Communion at home or in a residential care home. Sikhs believe it is the duty of sons to look after their parents. This is seen as a service (sewa). To assist the family, the Sikh community often offers day care to the elderly in the Gurdwara. Homes for the elderly are rarely used and members of the extended family often live together.

The right to live? In the 4th Century BCE the Greek doctor Hippocrates wrote the Hippocratic Oath. He believed it contained good moral guidance for doctors. It contains the following passage which assured patients that their life would be respected and protected: “I will prescribe for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgement and never do harm to anyone. To please no one will I prescribe a deadly drug nor give advice which may cause death.” (Hippocrates) For many years, this oath was sworn by doctors upon entering the profession. However, in Britain, it has largely been replaced by a statement of good medical practice issued by the General Medical Council. According to this, a good doctor will: “Listen to patients and respond to their concerns and preferences … Respect patients’ right to reach decisions with you about their treatment and care.” General Medical Council What important differences in respect of life and death are there between the statements by Hippocrates and by the General Medical Council? Why do you think these changes have been made?

Should very ill people have the right to die? A Right To Die? The word ‘euthanasia’ means ‘a gentle death’ and is often referred to as ‘mercy-killing’. The intention of euthanasia is to assist a person who is suffering and perhaps close to death by giving them sufficient medication to kill them. As an act of compassion this will prevent them from suffering any further while possibly shortening their life by a few days or weeks. However, in Britain, euthanasia is illegal because it could be seen as assisting someone to take their own life (suicide), which is in breach of the Suicide Act 1961. Others believe that people have a right to self-determination and they should have some control over when their own life ends. What do you think? Should very ill people have the right to die? Some people decide to make a ‘Living Will’. Whilst not legally binding, this is a document that sets out a person’s wishes regarding the types of treatment they would like carried out if, in the future, they are incapable of making a decision.

The Euthanasia Debate There are pressure groups, such as Dignity in Dying (formerly the Voluntary Euthanasia Society), who take the view that people should have the right to make their own decision about their own death. They suggest members make a “Living Will” to declare that they do not wish their lives to be artificially prolonged in the event of a terminal illness, or if they are in a permanent state of unconsciousness. Living wills are now officially known as Advance Decisions under the Mental Capacity Act, 2007. Some carry a medical emergency card, which states that if there is no reasonable prospect of recovery, then they do not wish to be resuscitated or to have their life prolonged artificially. info@dignityindying.org.uk

Arguments for and against Voluntary Euthanasia. Death with dignity is better than a long, painful death. Death may be a ‘happy release’ for relations. Animals are put down rather than allowed to suffer so why not humans? If the quality of life is poor why should a person not choose to die? An injection can quickly and humanely end suffering. With the average age of the population getting steadily older, we may not be able to afford to take care of old and infirm people in the future. Against It is a form of murder. Every person has the right to live. It is ‘playing God’ to decide that a person’s life should end. Life is a gift from God and is sacred. The Hippocratic Oath forbids doctors from killing their patients. Modern drugs ensure that no one suffers to an unbearable degree. Old people often feel themselves to be a nuisance to their younger relatives and may feel they owe it to loved ones to accept the offer of euthanasia if it is available.

How long should we keep people alive? A life support machine allows a person to remain alive by assisting or replacing breathing in the hope that the person will recover and be able to breathe normally again. Without it the person would probably die. Life support also includes feeding by passing fluids through a tube directly into the stomach. There are other ways of keeping people alive ranging from simple medicines that control otherwise serious conditions, such as diabetes and epilepsy to ‘hi-tech’ equipment in hospital used by medical staff. If a heart stops, it can be re-started with no after effects and people recover from serious surgery that even a decade ago would not have been possible. Religious and Moral Teachings Such advances in medical technology cause religious and moral thinkers to constantly update their beliefs and ideas. They use the following principles: Compassion; Quality of life; Sanctity of life; the idea of causing no harm to any living thing; using God given talents and skills to save life. All religions support turning off life support machines for people who are brain dead.

Religious views on Life Support Christian Sikh Life is a sacred gift of God Bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit (Paul) Often reluctant to discontinue life support where there is hope of survival Church of England promotes idea of dying with dignity – letting nature take its course and allowing the person to die is the best way of showing love of neighbour. Life is sacred and to be preserved even when suffering If there is no hope of recovery then nature should not be prevented from taking its course.

What is a Hospice? This is a home that cares for the terminally ill. The aim is to relieve suffering and control suffering in the most effective way – PALLIATIVE CARE. The emphasis is on a good quality of life for their final days. Patients are encouraged to talk about and prepare for their death. Support is also given to the family and friends of the terminally ill before, during and after death. A hospice is open to all people no matter what their religious background Most hospices in Britain are Christian foundations. http://www.helpthehospices.org.uk

Christian Teachings on Death The dying are encouraged to trust in God’s mercy and forgiveness Loved ones read from the Bible and pray for or with the dying person in the home and in church Roman Catholics and some Anglicans receive the last rites Practical care is given to both the dying and their carers They believe in eternal life with God after death as a result of the resurrection of Jesus Belief in a judgement day either at death or end of time or both Many believe in heaven (being with God eternally) and hell (eternal separation from God) Belief that life after death is totally different – no suffering etc., either resurrection with a new heavenly body or immortality of the soul Roman Catholics believe in purgatory – time of cleansing from sin and preparation for heaven; prayers for the dead and good deeds might shorten this period.

Sikh Teachings on Death Hymns recited from Guru Granth Sahib and Sukhmani said – dying person replies with ‘Waheguru’ (wonderful Lord) Practical spiritual support given to the family The soul is reborn when the body dies – the form taken depends on good karma acquired Longing for mukti – release from rebirth – achieved through a good life, meditation and worship.