EUTHANASIA DEBATE
Chiung Yao was reportedly in good well being when he determined to take his personal life.
On November 28, she devoted a heartfelt Facebook put up to her late husband, famed writer Ping Hsin-tao, who died in 2019. The couple shared a deep ardour for literature and had been married for 4 a long time.
In the ultimate years of Ping’s sickness, Chiung Yao had a dispute together with his stepchildren over whether or not to proceed his intubation.
He has since publicly expressed his help for voluntary euthanasia.
In his farewell observe, Chiung Yao harassed that his resolution got here at a sophisticated age, after having lived a satisfying life full of gorgeous experiences.
He urged readers to by no means quit on life frivolously, writing, “Momentary setbacks or unfavourable occasions put together you for a great life.
“I hope you possibly can bear them, like me, and stay to be 86, 87, till your bodily power fades, earlier than deciding how you can face loss of life.
“By then, hopefully, humanity could have discovered extra humane methods to assist the aged depart with pleasure.”
His message renewed debate over euthanasia, which is against the law in Taiwan.
“Taiwan ought to have euthanasia as a result of typically we simply need to depart the world pleased,” retiree Rebecca Chen, 70, who grew up studying Chiung Yao novels, instructed CNA.
Among the messages of damage and disbelief underneath Chiung Yao’s Facebook put up had been some who supported his resolution and others who didn’t.
“Your life is your resolution. I strongly help his alternative!” one commenter stated.
“I can perceive his resolution. Last 12 months I even nearly took a visit to the opposite facet. I do know the sensation of being intubated and confined to mattress,” one other commenter stated.
“I’m in disbelief… There are so many individuals who love you. Don’t you see? You’re not considering straight,” one person commented.
“Why did you select to depart this world? I really feel upset. Are you not afraid of punishment within the afterlife?” one other commenter stated.
AGING IN TAIWAN
Authorities stated palliative care and social help are necessary to make sure older individuals are taken care of.
Official information reveals that individuals over the age of 65 have the very best suicide price in Taiwan.
Liu Su Fang, president of the Taipei department of the Teacher Chang Foundation, which provides counseling providers, stated deteriorating psychological and bodily well being is a contributing issue.
“Older individuals might really feel ineffective… nugatory. Some additionally really feel remoted as a result of they stay alone. Their kids may match in different cities,” he stated.
Currently, greater than 20% of individuals over the age of 65 stay alone and the quantity is predicted to extend.
In current years, Taiwan has stepped up efforts to determine businesses to assist the aged cope with their issues.
Authorities have arrange greater than 1,600 stations throughout Taiwan to offer bodily and psychological help to the aged.
The authorities has additionally inspired the development of extra senior-friendly residential buildings and communities, resembling ramps and handrails, and actions to maintain them occupied.
Initiatives like these have gotten much more necessary as Taiwan is predicted to change into a really getting old society subsequent 12 months, with 20% of its inhabitants over 65.
Supporters urged these with aged mother and father or grandparents to pay extra consideration to their habits and temper.
“If older adults present indicators of melancholy, we must always attempt to allow them to work together with extra individuals and allow them to participate in social actions,” Liu stated.
“If the situation worsens, they need to seek the advice of a health care provider. If individuals may present extra concern by taking them out to eat or interacting with them extra, they may really feel supported.”
