97 years young…

That was the age of Dr. Michael DeBakey when he underwent surgery for a dissecting aortic aneurysm (aka, a torn artery)--- a surgery he created. However, according to the article in The New York Times, The Man on the Table Devised the Surgery, there was much debate among the doctors regarding whether to even operate on him--- given the fact that he was 97, given the fact he had signed a form with a DNR (do not resuscitate)/ do-not-perform-surgery directive, given the fact that he was a pioneer in his space and no doctor wanted to take responsibility should something happen on the operating table.

Was it ethical to go against his directive?

Was it "worth" it to operate on a 97 year old given the probability of complications even though that would be the only way to save his life? Dr. DeBakey had postponed the surgery because "he feared the operation that he had developed to treat this condition might, at his age, leave him mentally or physically crippled. 'I'd rather die' he said." In addition, it would be his family who would have to take care of him, should complications arise.

In the end they performed the surgery.

This story is inspirational (if you have the will to keep going, you can survive and get through anything—no matter what age you are), yet, at the same time shows what good, high quality (ie. expensive) care – pre-op, during op, and post-op- can provide. If you have the means, you can receive the best quality health care thus, giving you a higher probability to live to a ripe old age.

However, one important factor the doctors kept stressing—Dr. DeBakey was a very healthy 97 year old. Had he not been, there would have been no debate— surgery could not be performed.

Bottom line—keep yourself healthy. Who knows, by the time you're 97 you might need surgery.