An older person’s liberty and autonomy should be disregarded if they are making poor decisions.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: False
An older person’s liberty and autonomy should not be disregarded solely because they are making poor decisions. Respect for autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare and society, regardless of age. Adults, including older adults, have the right to make their own choices, even if those choices seem unwise or harmful to others. The only exception arises when there is clear evidence that the individual lacks decision-making capacity due to cognitive impairment or another medical condition that significantly affects judgment.
Decision-making capacity refers to the ability to understand information, appreciate the consequences of choices, reason through options, and communicate decisions. If an older person has full cognitive abilities, they retain the right to live according to their values and preferences, even when those choices appear risky or impractical. Removing their rights simply because of a disagreement with their decisions would be discriminatory and a violation of their human dignity.
For example, an elderly person may choose to live alone despite the risk of falls or may refuse certain medical treatments. These actions do not justify overriding their autonomy unless a mental health or legal assessment proves incapacity. In such cases, support mechanisms like power of attorney or guardianship may be involved, but these are last resorts.
Rather than disregarding autonomy, supportive approaches such as shared decision-making, education, counseling, and building trust are more effective. These methods help individuals understand risks and make informed choices without coercion or force.
In conclusion, older adults are entitled to the same respect for their rights and freedoms as any other adult. Making poor decisions alone is not sufficient reason to disregard their liberty or autonomy. Ethical care involves supporting them, not controlling them.