I think at one point when I get past a certain age ... in my case, I'm guessing about 70 ... it will be cheaper for me and my family if I just died ahead of time instead of linger any longer. I'm in my 40s and I am not in great health and I can feel parts of body complaining all the time, especially with the first signs of arthritis. My mother and grandmother both had terrible arthritis and I have a feeling I will be the same. Mom couldn't walk by the time she was 50 but my grandmother lasted longer. Many of my aunts and uncles were the same. They suffered through the last decade of their lives. If I'm going to end up in the same situation, I'd rather leave early than suffer for years.

I say that with conviction right now but I won't know until I get there. But if I am living in pain without an prospect of recovering ... I'll seriously consider stepping aside ahead of time to save myself years of torture.