But it's not about hopelessness. It's about coming to terms with having lived a full life and being fully ready for a dignified end of it. My girlfriend works in a Dutch nursing home and has had the privilege of assisting a couple of euthanasia tracts for the elderly, and she says it's one of the most magnificent things she was able to do for someone, emotionally speaking. People are very clear about the reasons (which have to be not only discussed, but thoroughly vetted by 2 doctors) and do not make this decision lightly. These is a very high level of clear communication between the family, doctors and patients about all relevant aspects for everyone involved.

I think when you and I reach that age, we will have very different thoughts on life and death.