What end-of-life experts know about living well: love your wrinkles, celebrate birthdays and don’t obsess over work
How can our understanding of mortality shape the way we live? Palliative care doctors and death doulas share the lessons they have learned We will all face death one day, but our attitude towards this is individual. How can our understanding of mortality shape our approach to life? Here, palliative care doctors and death doulas share what they know about the end – and how it informs the way they…
Palliative care professionals share their wisdom on how to live a fulfilling life in the face of mortality. Dr. Rachel Clarke, a palliative care doctor in Oxfordshire, emphasizes that what truly matters to people as they approach the end of their life is the connections they have with others, not their wealth, status or possessions.
Dr. David Holland, a palliative care consultant in Norfolk, advises people to resolve any lingering issues or feelings they may have and to pursue what they value most, be it their work or personal interests. Ruby Love, an end-of-life doula in Bristol, encourages finding a balance between financial stability and happiness, and advises focusing on meaningful experiences rather than superficial pleasures.
Clarke cautions that superficial experiences can be a distraction and that deeper moments of joy, awe and wonder are far more fulfilling. Palliative care professionals also highlight the importance of cultivating connections with the natural world, as it can provide a sense of meaning and purpose. Tan Ming Li, an end-of-life doula in Singapore, suggests living intentionally and asking oneself if they are truly living the life they want to live.
Clarke and Holland both emphasize the importance of leading healthy lives and finding joy in small moments, like spending time with a beloved pet or enjoying a good cup of tea. All of these experts agree that living a life rich in human connections, pursuing what brings true meaning and purpose, and appreciating the small things in life are the keys to a life well-lived.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
