Uncovering the "Hidden" Relationship Between Old Age Assisted Dying and the Ancient Concept of Senicide.

Objectives: To uncover a previously unrecognized link between the ancient cultural phenomenon of senicide, i.e. the practice of killing the elderly, and old age assisted dying (AD). Methods: Using an interpretative-phenomenological approach, the background of both phenomena is reviewed. Results: Senicide is based on utilitarian and altruistic judgements of the society and/or by older individuals themselves that they are no longer contributing members of the community. As a consequence, it is considered justifiable that the life of the elderly person should be intentionally ended. Similarly, in some cases of old age AD, those who express thoughts to die might feel a responsibility to relieve their family and society of the burden of their existence. When these aspects would take excess capacity in the decision-making process, AD might be considered a modern variant of senicide. Then, the question arises about how self-determined and autonomous the wish to die actually is and how much it is influenced by external pressures. Conclusion: The counseling team should openly address these motives to enable those with intentions to die and their families to engage in a more comprehensive decision-making process of AD.