http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Catie/Where%20We%20Live%2010-18-2011.mp3
Americans are far less healthy than their European counterparts as they enter old age. But if we make it there, our chance of survival gets better.
So, why is this? Well, one big reason is the enormous amount of money we’re pumping into end-of-life care. By 67 - the time many of us are retired - the US is spending two and a half times more than other Western Countries.
And, what’s known as “end of life” care accounted for more than a quarter of Medicare spending last year....sometimes on aggressive care that the patient doesn’t even want.
Today, where we live: Does staving off death make for a better life? And, how has this all changed the way we grieve?
We’ll be joined by a doctor who’s book is called “Saying Goodbye” - for a big discussion on death in America.
