Aging, Death, and the Quest for Immortality

Portada
C. Ben Mitchell, Robert David Orr, Susan A. Salladay
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2004 - 198 páginas
Aging is a fact of life, and issues surrounding it are hot. There are currently 35 million Americans over the age of sixty-five -- more than ever. This demographic shift is noteworthy not only because the ranks of the elderly will continue to swell in coming years but also because it is taking place in what the editors of this book call an "ageist society," one that increasingly loathes every facet of aging. Indeed, the ethical issues associated with aging are among the thorniest in medicine and public policy today. Aging, Death, and the Quest for Immortality is a timely volume by physicians, health-care professionals, pastors, and ethicists who explore the experiences, dilemmas, and possibilities associated with aging. The book opens by offering three distinct perspectives on aging; this section includes practical suggestions for dealing with retirement, disability, healing, and death. Several contributors then analyze controversial ethical issues raised by aging and health care, including medical decision-making, the moral standing of patients with dementia, health-care rationing, and assisted suicide. A third group of essays applies a theology of care to ministry to and through older adults, the counseling of seniors, and the application of palliative care. The book closes by discussing some of the emerging technologies and interest groups aimed at achieving immortality, also asking, appropriately, what insights the Christian faith brings to the discussion. Reflecting much wisdom and sensitivity, this book will give welcome help to care providers and to those who are themselves in the later stages of life. Book jacket.
 

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Contenido

A Personal Perspective
3
A Theologians Perspective
17
A Geriatricians Perspective
33
ETHICAL ISSUES IN AGING
43
Ethical Issues in an Aging Population
45
AgeBased Rationing of LifeSustaining Health Care
58
Neuropsychological Aspects of Aging and Their Implications for DecisionMaking among the Elderly
75
Inclusive Moral Standing
87
Local Church Ministry to and through Older Adults
107
The Virtues of Talk Therapy
121
Suffering and Healing at the End of Life
134
THE QUEST FOR IMMORTALITY
151
The Quest for Immortality
153
Reflections on Disability Life and God
163
Immortality through Replication
175
Index
193

CARING FOR THE AGING
105

Términos y frases comunes

Acerca del autor (2004)

Robert D. Orr (1941-2021) was an expert in family medicine and medical ethics who taught at Loma Linda University Medical Center, the University of Vermont College of Medicine, Trinity International University, and Union University Graduate School. He authored and edited several books, including Medical Ethics and the Faith Factor.

Información bibliográfica