Not related really, but the assisted suicide notion reminded me of this historical factoid that is close to home:

In olden times throughout the Baltics, there was the honored tradition of communities sending the invalid, elderly, and other types of people who had become a burden on the village out into the barrens.

Typically, this was unanimous decision made by the individual and their families. The community would come together and celebrate the "exodus". The exiled individual would be given a sled with food, supplies, personal effects, even tools and weapons; then communally escorted to the edge of the wilds.

Most knew they were to die soon, and chose to do so alone amongst nature as was several tribe's religious practice. However, some of those exiled survived on their own. Sometimes even for many years. Many tribes would allow the afflicted to return however many individuals chose to remain isolated in exile. These practices (or very similar) and the individuals effected still exist today throughout Eurasia in small, extremely off the grid communities and villages.

Not related really, but the assisted suicide notion reminded me of this historical factoid that is close to home:

In olden times throughout the Baltics, there was the honored tradition of communities sending the invalid, elderly, and other types of people who had become a burden on the village out into the barrens.

Typically, this was unanimous decision made by the individual and their families. The community would come together and celebrate the "exodus". The exiled individual would be given a sled with food, supplies, personal effects, even tools and weapons; then communally escorted to the edge of the wilds.

Most knew they were to die soon, and chose to do so alone amongst nature as was several tribe's religious practice. However, some of those exile survived on their own. Sometimes even for many years. Many tribes would allow the afflicted to return however many individuals chose to remain isolated in exile. These practices (or very similar) and the individuals effected still exist today throughout Eurasia in small, extremely off the grid communities and villages.