"You never know what's going to happen.
You don't have to be old to die."
- Lydia
Any time after you've turned 18 is a good time to write your living will and to choose a health-care agent that you trust. Some families start talking with one another about these issues and documents when they're planning a long trip overseas or have just survived a close call with a family member's health. Others begin when their children are born or reach maturity or when a spouse or parent dies. Many people are prompted by news stories - disturbing real-life cases like those of Terri Schiavo or Karen Quinlan. It's neither necessary, nor preferable, for us to wait until we are elderly or infirm.
Everybody should do it, old or young Mari, community development specialist
