Why Advance Directives Become Even More Important as We Age
As we move through life, our priorities often shift toward the things that matter most: family, comfort, and peace of mind. One of the most loving gifts we can give to ourselves and those we care about is the reassurance that our healthcare wishes will be known and honored, no matter what the future holds.
This is where advance care planning comes in, and why advance directives become increasingly important as we age.
What Are Advance Directives?
Advance directives are legal documents that help ensure your voice is heard, even if you’re unable to speak for yourself. They guide healthcare providers and loved ones in making medical decisions that reflect your values and preferences.
The two most common forms are:
- Living Will – Outlines the medical treatments you would or would not want, such as ventilators, feeding tubes, or other life-sustaining measures.
- Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare – Names a trusted person (your “health care proxy” or agent) to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
Why Advance Directives Matter Even More as We Age
While advance directives are valuable at any age, they become especially vital later in life for several reasons:
- Protecting Your Autonomy – As we age, the likelihood of facing a serious illness or injury that limits our ability to make decisions increases. Advance directives ensure your care aligns with your personal beliefs and values.
- Easing the Burden on Loved Ones – During a health crisis, families can struggle with uncertainty about “what you would want.” Having your wishes documented helps prevent disagreements, reduces stress, and brings peace of mind.
- Ensuring the Care You Want – Whether you want every effort made to extend life or prefer a focus on comfort and quality of life, advance directives make your preferences clear.
- Guiding End-of-Life Care – They can detail where you wish to be cared for, what comfort measures you want, and what emotional or spiritual support matters most to you.
The Five Wishes: A More Personal Approach
One of the most widely used and meaningful tools for advance care planning is Five Wishes, an advance directive recognized in Florida and many other states.
Unlike traditional forms that focus only on medical care, Five Wishes addresses the whole person: medical, emotional, personal, and spiritual needs.
It’s organized into five sections:
1. The Person I Want to Make Care Decisions for Me When I Can’t – Naming your healthcare decision-maker.
2. The Kind of Medical Treatment I Want or Don’t Want – Clarifying your choices for life-sustaining treatments.
3. How Comfortable I Want to Be – Outlining preferences for pain relief, grooming, environment, and emotional support.
4. How I Want People to Treat Me – Sharing how you’d like to be cared for and supported by others.
5. What I Want My Loved Ones to Know – Offering messages, forgiveness, and wishes for after your passing.
Taking the Next Step
Advance care planning isn’t just about filling out forms, it’s about having open, honest conversations with your loved ones and healthcare providers. Your wishes matter most when those around you understand and are committed to honoring them.
At Big Bend Hospice, we encourage you to view advance directives as “living documents.” Review and update them regularly, especially after major life changes, so they always reflect your current wishes.
By taking the time now to complete an advance directive, such as Five Wishes, you give yourself the gift of control, and you give your loved ones the gift of clarity and peace when they need it most.