Can dementia or stroke patients age well? Yes, if mindsets change

We need to rethink our concept of successful ageing and accept and embrace declining faculties.

- Philip Yap

The recent suicide of acclaimed Chinese novelist Chiung Yao sparked an outpouring of grief, as well as discussions on the care that older people receive. Still looking hale and hearty at the time of her demise, she chose death to take control of her life, as she did not want to endure a slow decline and the prospect of becoming frail and dependent.

Some supported her choice to take matters into her own hands while others bemoaned her decision and regretted that she had seemingly failed to consider the sentiments of those who loved her. One might also speculate on whether she suffered from untreated depression after her husband's death, possibly impairing her judgment and mental clarity as she took that fateful decision.

Amid the buzz around successful and active ageing today, would one consider Chiung Yao to have aged successfully? She was, after all, poised and spritely at 86 and ultimately remained in control of her life even unto death. One could equally hold the other view that ageing well should encompass the ability to adapt positively and roll with the punches that accompany ageing. Clearly, it would be contentious to portray her as a role model for other seniors, lest they entertain thoughts of taking their own lives too. It is concerning that in some parts of the world, some people are documenting in their advance care plans the desire for euthanasia should they succumb to a particular state of dementia, frailty or dependency in the future.