When we read this our instant reaction is for sure Quality of Life, but I have come across people who have a zest to live no matter whatever the condition. In such cases I really question myself does the quality of life means nothing to such people and what must be the reason to this. Why would someone be so attached to the thought of living a long life no matter what the condition is. Is it the hope of recovery or is it the attachment to materialistic world or is it they are waiting for something to happen and then give up, or is it just the positive attitude towards life and accepting what is coming on the way, or is it the fear of death?

I still can't figure out, but I have seen all of this in different people because of which they still long for a lengthy life. Some of my very close family members I have seen them not giving up so easily.
My Grandmother, she passed away at 86. She had Parkinson, Diabetes, and was very little mobile but I never heard her complaining about life or telling us that she does not like the type of life she has. She would burn her hands while cooking due to Parkinson but still she would not want to take help and do everything independently. She would have a fall and she would still next day attempt to do the same things. A lot of will power, at the end of the day I would think if I would be in her place I would wish to die but I never heard her ever being dejected and giving up.

Then was my Mother-in-law. She had kidney failure and on Dialysis, she had diabetes, thyroid, Heart issues and many other problems, but she had some very strong attachment to life and wanted to live a long life.
Last year of her life was on and off in hospital and there was so much happening to her body, we were all feeling sad and sorry for her, but I never saw her giving up. She was very close to us so we could understand her thoughts. She had this hope that she would recover completely and get back to her normal routines, whereas the reality was she was never going to be ok, which was not sinking into her. She was on Dialysis every alternate day and slumping down by the day, which we could all see very clearly but she never accepted. There was a time once when even the doctors gave up and told us we will not put her on any external support, In 2 days time she was back again and wanted to go home making plans for future. This whole incident was beyond my thinking capability. Was it something happening at a higher level or was it just her zest for life. It finally came to a stage where her body skin started peeling off and then that was the time when she gave up and then she passed away. I could clearly see that the time she gave up, she made an exit. So it made me wonder all the more that can we hold on to our death?.

Then there are these other set of people whose belief is let me do whatever I like, live my life to the fullest not by doing the right things but by doing all the wrong things. They would say let me eat and do all that I like no matter what harm it brings to my body. I feel like hitting hard to such people for being so irresponsible. They do not realize that every illness does not lead to death, many will lead to long time suffering and with that it's not only a problem for you but you are pulling down all those in the thread with you.

alt
Source

Coming across many such people who have been so so attached to life in the worst of their health situation but never wanting to still give up really keeps me amazed as to what is it that makes them still continue. I can understand Life and Death is not in our hands and one will pass on in their right time. But my curiosity is with the people who in the worst conditions also still want to live. What matters to them the Quality of Life or Quantity of Life or is it the fear of Death the fear of the unknown.

Yes this also can be one of the reasons, the fear of death. I have spent a lot of my life time in hospitals. First with my Father who was for years suffering with his ailments, then mother in law who was almost similar and my other aged family members. during my times in hospitals talking to other people and doctors I have also seen this that people fear death and hence they just cannot let go off themselves from their physical body. Though I believe that death is not in our control but the fear of death may also hold up a person.

I personally feel that one should not shy off talking about death to their dear ones if they are at a critical stage. Sometimes they need that ease off in the passing stage. Doing those talks and make them feel safe about the whole transition will help them smoothly pass off with a gentle frame of mind.

Thank you for visiting my blog.