Do you agree that the 80-year-old man who refused to move from his home as Mt. St. Helen's began to erupt had a right to decide his fate. What are the implications for individuals and families when elder adults are given full autonomy over their lives?

In 1980, an 80-year-old man named Harry Truman refused to move from his home as Mt. St. Helen's began to erupt. He told authorities that at 80 years old he had a right to decide his fate. Do you agree? What are the implications for individuals and families when elder adults are given full autonomy over their lives?

Any elder with a sound mind has the right to make their own decisions, good or bad. As long as Mr. Truman understood that he would not be rescued under any circumstance, he was within his rights. Most elders are happiest when they retain the right to determine their future.

Yes, I believe he had the right to decide to stay at home rather than evacuate. I think it's just like deciding you would rather die at home than in a hospital. I think families and caregivers should honor such requests even though it may not be the accepted thing to do.