The last years of life should be lived out with dignity, and any government, Church or family that neglects their aged will surely be called to account. There is a commandment to honour parents, and they are still parents whatever their age! In the book of Leviticus (19:32) it says, "Rise up before the grey head, and honour the face of the aged and fear thy God". It was a little step in the right direction when the title of old‑age pensioner was changed to senior citizen.
And a word to those reaching that last mile of their earthly pilgrimage. We need not fear death if we know the Lord. There is grace to be found at such a time, and even in weakness of mind or body, the spirit is still unaffected by the ageing process, and there can be continued communion with God.
There is the story of an old Scots lady who never dared to visit Edinburgh because of the railway tunnels, but there came a day when important business demanded her presence there. Reluctantly she took the journey, and as the train neared the city, she grew more and more nervous, until from utter prostration she fell asleep. She awoke in Edinburgh! "Or in living, or in dying, all must be well!"