Luc Van Gorp, President of the Christian Mutual Society (Mutualité chrétienne), is advocating for radical approaches to ageing.
Van Gorp shared his thoughts in Belgian newspapers Het Nieuwsblad and Gazet van Antwerpen, focusing his thoughts on those who no longer wish to live, stating that such individuals should have the means to fulfil their desires.
Predictions suggest that by 2050, the number of individuals aged over 80 will double from around 640,000 to 1.2 million. This increase will put substantial financial pressure on healthcare facilities, drug provisions and residential care centres.
Van Gorp asserts that simply increasing financial resources is not enough. Instead, he suggests, a "radically different approach" is necessary.
"Doctors and other health professionals are diligently working to extend life," he notes, "but to what end?" He provocatively questions whether longevity is the ultimate goal, asking: "How long can one live a quality life?"
Euthanasia laws already exist, Van Gorp recalls. "They work well for those in unbearable pain." However, Van Gorp argues that "there should be a more gentle provision for those feeling their life is over." Recognising the sensitivity surrounding the topic, he emphasises that "it is a debate worth having."
