Advance Directive: What It Is and Why It Matters for Your Medical Care
When you can’t speak for yourself, an advance directive, a legal document that outlines your medical wishes if you’re unable to communicate. Also known as a living will, it tells doctors and family what treatments you want—or don’t want—during a medical crisis. This isn’t just for older adults. Accidents, strokes, or sudden illness can happen at any age. Without an advance directive, decisions fall to relatives who may not know your true wishes—or worse, argue over them.
An advance directive often includes two parts: a living will, your specific instructions about life-sustaining treatments like ventilators or CPR, and a healthcare proxy, the person you name to make medical decisions for you if you’re incapacitated. These aren’t just paperwork—they’re tools to prevent unwanted care. For example, someone with advanced kidney disease might choose to avoid dialysis. Someone with dementia might refuse feeding tubes. These choices align with what matters most to you, not what hospitals default to.
It’s also deeply connected to deprescribing. As people age or face chronic illness, they often take more medications. Some become unnecessary—or even harmful. An advance directive gives your healthcare proxy the authority to question those drugs, stop them safely, and focus on comfort instead of prolonging life at all costs. That’s why posts on this site cover topics like geriatric polypharmacy, palliative care for lung disease, and medication risks in older adults. They all tie back to one thing: making sure your care matches your values.
You don’t need a lawyer to start. Most states have free forms you can download and fill out. Talk to your doctor, your family, and your chosen proxy. Keep a copy in your medical records and give one to your proxy. Update it if your health changes or your mind does. This isn’t about giving up. It’s about taking control—before it’s too late.
Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how medications, aging, and medical decisions intersect. Whether you’re worried about blood thinners before surgery, managing side effects of heart drugs, or understanding when to stop treatments, these posts help you make informed choices—on your terms.
Medical Power of Attorney and Medication Decisions: Planning Ahead
A medical power of attorney lets you choose someone to make medication and treatment decisions if you can't speak. Learn how to pick the right person, what to include, and why this simple step prevents family conflicts and ensures your wishes are honored.
- November 17 2025
- Tony Newman
- 13 Comments