Year: 1994 Source: Journal of Gerontological Social Work, v.23, no.1-2, (1994), p.135-150 SIEC No: 19950756

In recent years there has been considerable public discussion of the meaning of old age & of setting limits to life & to health care. It is argued that, while recommendations that treatment be limited or that suicide be viewed as rational solely because of a person’s age are based on ageism & a misunderstanding of the life course, voluntary suicide in cases of hopeless illness is defensible & will not lead down a slippery slope. Implications for social work practice are discussed. (17 refs.)