Elderly patients' preferences concerning life-support treatment.

The preferences of 118 elderly patients, aged from 70 to 97 years, concerning the institution of artificial ventilation in the event of an overwhelming illness, were investigated using a questionnaire. Most patients wanted treatment if the outcome was likely to be good, but in approximately half, the desire for treatment declined as anticipated quality of life or chances of recovery fell. Forty percent wanted to make the decision about institution of artificial ventilation themselves if mentally competent and 24% wanted to use some form of advance directive if mentally incompetent.