ACCEDING TO THE WILL OF THE ELDERLY AT THE END OF LIFE. CROSSED PERSPECTIVES ON ADVANCE DIRECTIVES

Abstract

Though the elderly are not the only people concerned by the end of life, they are objectively and statistically more affected by life-ending, often in a medicalized environment, than the rest of the population. Advance directives are a specific legal tool enabling people to express their health care wishes if they become unable to speak for themselves. This ability is particularly suitable for elderly people who may, as other people, slip into a coma but also become, more than other people, cognitively disabled. Although this legal tool appears interesting, it raises many theoretical and practical questions. One philosopher, one physician and two lawyers exchange views on these issues.