That's one way of looking at it. Another way is that my aging parents are convening a gathering of their children to discuss their specific requests for end of life treatment. First, they want us to know how they feel about the subject so that, second, there won't be any doubt or confusion when the time comes to make these decisions.
I admire my parents because they have an equinimity about their lives that I can't seem to muster. They're calm and enjoying their lifestyle which involves a good deal of travel to their favorite places: Hawaii, Las Vegas, Palm Springs. My mother has gotten in the slots and is probably gambling away any inheritance we could hope to have (that's irony for those who might infer something else), but it's her money and she enjoys getting together with other slot players from around the country who meet up at various casinos.
I admire my parents, too, because they've chosen to clearly articulate their wishes for end of life treatment. They want to maintain quality of life as long as possible. They're not interested in existence but life. The difference is that the former can go in a diminished state, maintained by technology while the latter is to be cherished and enjoyed for as long as it lasts at that level. I'm in agreement with them and it's what I want for myself.
I do expect there to be some resistance by a couple of my brothers and sisters. There's an element of selfishness in this, an unwillingness to let go. It's a fearful reaction, too, I believe, the inability to accept loss.
Meanwhile, my parents are pretty healthy so I look forward to having them with us for some time to come.