Lately there has been a lot of chatter in the media about ageing. Serious chatter, that is, about the way Western societies prolong life, even after its intrinsic value has apparently ebbed away. Last night over dinner at a friend's house, the subject arose again. Is there a right time to go?

Such a debate is to be expected, given the emerging facts around ageing and the loss of quality of life that can occur. We have become remarkably adept at improving the length of the average life-span, largely through interventions that stave off death. My grandmother died from stroke at 60, fifty years ago, but medication today may have extended her life significantly. Ditto for many other illnesses that now can be ameliorated through medical science.

Longer life doesn't necessarily equate with better life. Sure, no one wants to die and the thought of total extinguishment is fraught. Nor do many folks, on the the hand, want to eek out their days in pain, confusion or debilitating decline. There may be a point at which returns diminish so rapidly that saying 'no more please' to medicines and procedures is a reasonable option.

The Baby Boomers are ageing and I guess that this is the reason for the debate. The immortals are coming to terms with mortality.