A useful metric for EOLC - End of Life Care:
1. Has it been good, even great? If yes, then you've had the biscuit...or the bon-bon....whatever you call your 'goodie'. There's not much left to miss or to hope for.
2. Is it still good, even great? If yes, then why not continue to wring what you can out of Life? But, if it isn't great, are you likely to see improvement or any gains......again? Probably not, not if you have comorbidities, a lot of pain that needs meds, greatly reduced mobility, need help with hygiene, and are heavily dependent on other's efforts to get you through even a single day. If you're really not having much or any fun, it might be time to move on. So, what would be the point of resuscitation? Would you like to awaken after heroics, but in much greater pain, and with even fewer prospects and optimism?
3. Do you have fear over dying, maybe just general anxiety? Would it help to talk about this with a therapist to get you over some stumbling blocks? Is it one thing or several? What would you need in place in order to feel a lot better about nature taking its course when the time is right, and you having a DNR in place, in plain view, and known by all those who are likely to continue to provide you with some kind of care routinely?
4. Are your affairs in good order? You have a current will that you don't want to change? Do you have an executor to conclude your estate legally? Is there anything else that you keep bringing up mentally, something that might rob you of rest, of peace, or of sleep? Maybe you need to discuss this with a trusted friend who can be counted on to look after your best interests or to help you to parse out the problem(s) on your own terms. Once they are put to rest, you can be put to rest.
5. Don't overlook that long overdue apology. We all have things that eat at our conscience. We're all highly adept at suppressing them....until we near The End. Then they loom and occupy our thoughts. If there is still time, if you know you can reach the offended, now is a great time to unburden yourself....and them.
6. As a Christian, you know what I would raise here, but only with those whom I know are of the Faith. If you are secure in your own position on religiosity, faith, or any of the other philosophies, then at least that much can be tucked-in for the last time.
7. Lastly, if you deal with these forthrightly, maturely, with determination and resolve, you will live out your last days in peace and little else but the loved ones in your life will matter thereafter.
@gloaming This is a very thought provoking post. I agree with most of your thoughts and my life is still good. Have a great day and thanks for the excellent advice.