Today most people die gradually, from incremental illnesses, rather than from the heart attacks or fast-moving diseases that killed earlier generations. This title features essays that explore how we can make informed and caring end-of-life choices for ourselves and for those we love - and what can happen without such planning.

For those who yearn for some measure of control over death Final Acts, offers insight and hope. Contributors discuss documents that should be prepared (health proxy, do-not-resuscitate order, living will, power of attorney); decision-making (over medical interventions, life support, hospice and palliative care, aid-in-dying, treatment location, speaking for those who can no longer express their will); and the roles played by religion, custom, family, friends, caretakers, money, the medical establishment, and the government.