My bio father (he was not a part of my life, which is important to note when you get to the end of this comment) lived to 89, for certain values of "lived". He had long ago exhausted his ability to support himself financially, he was blind, deaf, unable to get around town on his own, had substantial age-related mental health issues, as well as a litany of small but significant health issues. I cannot speak for him, but I'd like to think that if I came anywhere close to that existence and I had the option available, I would opt for an end on my terms that respected my dignity and that of my family. As an American, however, I expect to die like he did: poor, mostly alone, and in pain.
My mom died on her own terms in the states at 57 and her doctor gave her the pills to do it at home. It wasn’t as nice as dying in the hospital, but her life quality had been pretty bad for the last decade and doctors will help even in my state where assisted suicide isn’t legal (Washington state rather than Oregon).
How long ago was this? Ever since war on opioids started, doctors have been extremely closely scrutinized by the DEA. Actually helping and even treating patients in some cases is a good way to risk losing your license and livelihood, and possibly your freedom. (and the War on Opioids didn't just apply to opioids, it caused a massive pendulum swing that affects all "controlled substances" not just pain pills, hence why it would be relevant here)
> As an American, however, I expect to die like he did: poor, mostly alone, and in pain.
All you need is a "beer brewer's kit" - gas bottle, simple plastic bag, and hose from the tank. There is an Aussie guy who explains how it all works on YouTube.
>"I would opt for an end on my terms that respected my dignity and that of my family. As an American, however, I expect to die like he did: poor, mostly alone, and in pain."
I think there is more than enough info about how to end it painlessly should one decide to part. No 3rd parties needed assuming that person is still mentally and physically adequate enough.
That's just it: I wouldn't trust myself to be expert enough to do it properly. That, of all the things I might be asked to experience in life, begs for a knowledgeable, caring expert. You're right, of course, but that raises the endlessly fascinating question of why more people don't make that choice.
It is probably hidden a lot more than we think when old and sick people make that choice. When you're weak enough and want to end your life, it might not be a huge effort, and it might not be noticeable. And health care people probably hide it sometimes to not upset relatives.
When you have young and healthy people, it's not that easy to hide a suicide, because suspicions of murder will naturally arise.
