End of Life Decisions and the Maximization of Length of Life

In: The Journal of social, political and economic studies, Band 30, Heft 2, S. 193-202

Abstract

The authors argue that allowing patients more say in deciding their own time of death could result in a greater overall length of life. In support of this they cite evidence that the last month of life can consume 40% of the total spent on healthcare during the lifetime of an individual. The paper reasons that the same resources invested in healthcare at earlier stages in life would yield much greater extensions in life length. Adapted from the source document.