As a lifelong cinema enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the stories of others, I find myself deeply moved by the eloquent words of Joan Bakewell and the pressing issues she brings to light. The debate surrounding assisted dying is one that stirs emotions within me, as it touches upon our fundamental human experiences of love, loss, and mortality.
Dylan Thomas may have expressed it slightly differently than intended. “Do not go gentle into that good night” was essentially a plea from Thomas, who couldn’t stand the thought of parting ways with a parent nearing death. He implored them to “fight, fight against the fading of the light,” not for their own benefit, but for his own emotional solace.
Instead of focusing on their peace, it was more about his personal worry and distress over potential loss and separation. Yet, the intense bond we share with loved ones, such as a child for a parent or a sibling for a sibling, frequently supersedes the objective, yet empathetic concern that one might experience at the thought of someone they care for passing away in serenity and contentment.
The main purpose of assisted dying is to grant individuals with clear consciousness and terminal illnesses the option for a peaceful, chosen ending. Currently, Members of Parliament have been informed that they will be given a free vote on a bill that would allow terminally ill people in England and Wales to make the decision to end their own lives (Scotland is also contemplating changes in its law regarding this matter).
The initial stage of a series of events has been reached, as polls indicate that about two-thirds of UK voters favor a legal shift. This moment presents an opportunity to put an end to unnecessary pain and distress.
In various nations like Canada, Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia, and several U.S. states such as Oregon, California, and Washington, laws permit assisted dying. Over 400 million individuals worldwide are afforded this option.
And that choice becomes more relevant year on year.
The number of centenarians in England and Wales has significantly increased over the years: In 2023, there were approximately 15,000 individuals aged 100 or older, which is more than double the number recorded in 2002. This trend appears to be attributed to factors such as better diets, increased physical activity, and a greater emphasis on healthcare from public institutions, media outlets, and charities. You’ll often see elderly individuals jogging around our parks and roads, although they may not be as agile as the younger generation, they show remarkable determination and spirit. Governments at all levels are also actively promoting initiatives to maintain people’s health for longer periods. This not only reduces healthcare costs for the NHS but also enhances their quality of life.
This week’s Joan Bakewell Night on BBC4, with my conversations with Nelson Mandela and Marcel Duchamp, has sparked reflections on my personal journey. However, death, the inescapable reality for us all, is ever-present. As Leonard Cohen croons to his former muse Marianne, “I’ll meet you further on,” it’s healthier to contemplate our mortality – not just ours, but that of those we cherish too – rather than evade or dismiss it from our thoughts. Death does not fade away!
In 2016, I hosted a Radio 4 series titled “We Need to Talk About Death.” Despite my intentions to create an episode about assisted dying, it was disallowed. I discovered numerous perspectives on the topic, ranging from estate planning (wills, property, inheritance, valuable items like gems and first editions), debt settlement, to funeral arrangements (cremation, burial at sea, scattering of ashes).
Please make sure to jot down your computer passwords, bank account information, a summary of your accounts, magazine subscriptions, and any charities you support. It’s important to inform these entities that our connection has ended.
At the core, it’s about our emotions. It’s difficult to conceive of a state where we no longer exist: Kingsley Amis once shared with me, “How can I fathom non-existence, when even considering it proves my existence?” Over time, poets, thinkers, and scholars have wrestled profoundly and elegantly with the essence of life’s experience. As humans, we possess a wealth of thoughts, ideas, and creative expressions to contemplate.
There is much richness to enjoy before we go!
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2024-10-14 19:03