LOVE Gawande’s writing. He has such a talent for making medicine human.

When I read this years ago I mentioned it to everyone I know- kind of a downer at parties, I was!!! But I loved it and think it’s such an important book and more people should read it.

I just listened to the audiobook based on this recommendation. Thank you, OP. This was an amazing read. I’m going to revise my living will while it is fresh in my mind so my health care proxy will keep the important questions in mind as decisions need to be made.

It's an incredible book everyone should read.

+ 1 to this rec - it’s really helpful in refocusing from just constantly treating and treating all the issues/symptoms to focusing on quality of life.

Yes!! I love everything Atul Gawande has written. Being Mortal is one of the books that changed my life.

Somewhat related, The Swedish Art of Death Cleaning is a really thoughtful read

Time of Death is also an outstanding Netflix documentary—be warned, very emotional.

Netflix has a couple documentaries that are also good:
The End Game
Extremis

Thanks — this is a well-timed recommendation for me.

The PBS Frontline documentary is also excellent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQhI3Jb7vMg

I’m taking a graduate program seminar on aging, and this is our primary text. It’s an eye opening and informative account of various approaches to aging well, dying, and end of life care. I’ve learned a lot from it and it’s given me a different perspective on what I want for myself and my parents as they age. Written by an Harvard trained surgeon.

It’s a great audible listen. Surprisingly entertaining.

Being Mortal: Illness, Medicine and what matters in the end
A. Gawande