Technology and educating seniors about advance directives

Advances in medical technology are changing the lives of older adults in bo th positive and negative ways. Health care professionals are now able to su stain life through aggressive measures, sometimes resulting in poorer quali ty of life. Advance directives allow individuals to maintain control of the ir own health care should a time come when they are critically ill and unab le to communicate their health care wishes. The use of technology can be ap preciated by older adults and their families for its role in preserving lif e. However, by completing an advance directive, an individual can eliminate the fear of prolonging the dying process. To receive the full benefit of a dvance directives and understand their purpose and use, older adults need t o be educated about advanced medical technology and its use. This article d iscusses the necessity and importance of educating seniors about advance di rectives.