"Being Mortal"

"Being Mortal," written by surgeon Atul Gawande, explores the complexities of aging and end-of-life care. It emphasizes the importance of understanding patients' needs and desires beyond mere medical treatment. Gawande argues that modern medicine often focuses too much on prolonging life rather than improving its quality. Through personal stories and experiences, he discusses how to approach discussions about mortality with compassion, highlighting the need for humane caregiving and making difficult choices in the face of illness. Ultimately, the book encourages a more thoughtful dialogue about death and the kind of lives we want to lead as we age.