3 Things To Think About As You Near The End Of Your Life

While no one wants to have to think about dying or what their life will be like after a loved one dies, being prepared for this event at the right time can help to make this transition much easier for everyone involved. 

As you get older, or if something happens that results in your health taking a hit, it might be time for you to start thinking about certain issues about your end of life or your death that you’ve never considered before. And although you may not want to dwell on this topic, it is wise to do at least a little planning or preparing beforehand. 

To help you with this, here are three things to think about as you near the end of your life. 

What Type Of Care You Want Or Don’t Want

For many people, getting down near the end of their life usually means more time, money, and focus spent on their physical health. While some people might want everything done to keep them alive or comfortable, others might be more keen to simply let nature take its course. While both options are fine, you’ll likely need to make your wishes clear to your doctor or family before it’s too late for you to do so.

To make these decisions easier, Dr. Sabrina Felson, a contributor to WebMD.com, recommends that you consider the type of care you do or don’t want toward the end of your life. These measures tend to include things like CPR, a feeding tube, and a breathing machine. If you have strong feelings one way or another about wanting or need wanting these types of care, make sure you make this clear to those in charge of caring for you. 

Whether Or Not You’ll Donate Your Organs

While you might think that only the decisions that you make while you’re still alive will be important to you, there are plenty of people who can be affected by your death once you’re gone, either in a positive or a negative way.

One positive result that can come from your death is the donation of your body or of some of your organs. DyingMatter.org shares that donating any organ or tissue that you so choose to either a live candidate or to science can help someone live a longer or more fulfilled life and help make potential scientific breakthroughs in the future. Keep in mind, however, that this path isn’t for everyone. 

How To Get Your House In Order

Once you’ve died, there will likely be people you love still here to handle your affairs. To make things easier on them, Kimberly Hiss, a contributor to Reader’s Digest, suggests that you do your best to get your house in order by preparing things like a will, a trust, or other wishes about your finances or your estate. 

To help you feel ready once the end of your life nears, and to leave your family with some assistance and closure, consider using the tips mentioned above to plan for your death as you near the end of your life.

Zoe Kickhefer
zoe@everydaylifes.com