James Regan, Myocum
Jeff Dawson’s article ‘Celebrating a life and dignified death’ (10 February) highlights the systemic bias that exists against older people.
Mr Dawson’s photo captures a gleeful Cathy Henkel proudly embracing her equally cheery daughter, Lara, following the premiere of their joint film documenting the plight of Ms Henkel’s mother, Laura, to access voluntary euthanasia.
Mr Dawson writes: ‘Though not significantly impaired or ill, she was suffering from old age’. Since when did getting older, on its own, equate to suffering?
Shouldn’t older people be revered and sought after for their wisdom and experience, not pitied and stereotyped simply for ageing? It’s concerning when hurtful and misleading stereotypes are rubber stamped by society and repeated by the media.
And while on the subject of euthanasia, the article also states Laura believed there were no more challenges or achievements she could tackle. One look at Mr Dawson’s photo of a beaming daughter and granddaughter suggests plenty to live for.
