"I am very sorry that I have reached such an age": why a 104-year-old scientist wants to pass away
Each of us has at least once in his life thought about what will happen to him in old age. No one wants to become a burden for relatives, but no one is immune from this.
104-year-old scientist David Goodall does not suffer from serious illnesses, but he was so worried about the impending loss of independence that he went halfway around the world to do euthanasia.
Despite his advanced age, Goodall lived quite independently in a small apartment in the Australian city of Perth, without needing anyone's help. In 2016, he even won a battle against the university where he worked for the right to travel to the office for work. The fact is that because of the age, the university administration insisted that the scientist work from home. However, Goodall had to work in an office located closer to home. In addition, he was forced to give up driving and performing in the theater.
Goodall's decision to voluntarily pass away hastened the fall in his own apartment. The scientist was found only two days later and taken to the hospital. Later, the doctors said that the man needed permanent custody.
In Australia, euthanasia is legalized only in one state, and then only if there is an incurable disease. Therefore, Goodall decided to go to Switzerland, where euthanasia is allowed.
The non-profit organization Exit International, which helps people to pass away, raised money for Goodall's trip on the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe. Initially, it was planned to raise 15 thousand dollars. But in ten days people sent 5 thousand dollars more.
Goodall's story has attracted a lot of attention. In his native country, they began to consider whether euthanasia should be legalized. The government publicly expressed condolences to the man, but stated that the possibility of voluntary retirement will remain only for terminally ill people.
Goodall hopes that the public will not condemn his decision.
Keywords: Age | Suicide | Death | Old age | Euthanasia