https://beingmortalbookgroup.eventbrite.com

Join us for a discussion on the book "Being Mortal - Medicine and What Matters in the End" from bestselling author Atul Gawande.

Medicine has triumphed in modern times, transforming birth, injury, and infectious disease from harrowing to manageable. But in the inevitable condition of aging and death, the goals of medicine seem too frequently to run counter to the interest of the human spirit. In "Being Mortal," Atul Gawande (a practicing surgeon) tackles the hardest challenge of his profession: How medicine can not only improve life but also the process of its ending. He addresses his profession's ultimate limitation, arguing that quality of life is the desired goal for patients and families. Gawande offers examples of freer, more socially fulfilling models for assisting the infirm and dependent elderly, and explores the varieties of hospice care to demonstrate that a person's last weeks or months may be rich and dignified.

This discussion group will be facilitated by Walla Walla Community Hospice staff. Opportunity will be provided to ask questions about advance care planning issues in addition to exploring the message of this thought provoking book.

At the conclusion of this session there will be opportunity for general questions about advance care planning.

The Walla Walla Public Library has multiple print and digital copies of this book available for loan.

There is no charge, but registration is appreciated for planning purposes.