Reflections on Chiung Yao’s Passing: Living Old Age With Dignity and Purpose

Chiung Yao, a Taiwanese writer and film producer chose to consciously end her life, raising the question of how we can support people at end of life.

Chiung Yao holds her new book at a book release event in Taipei on Aug 1, 2017. CNA/AFP via Getty Images

Health Viewpoints

Chiung Yao’s decision to end her life by suicide has sparked both sorrow and deep reflection. A beloved writer in the Chinese-speaking world, Chiung touched generations with her heartfelt love stories. Yet, what happened to her in her later years and the choices she made shocked many.

Chiung Yao is a renowned Taiwanese author and screenwriter known for her romantic novels and dramas. Her poetic, emotionally rich works explore love and family, inspiring numerous adaptations that have shaped Chinese pop culture.

Story continues below advertisement

After enduring prolonged suffering from illness, Chiung chose to take control of her life’s final chapter in her own way. In her later years, Chiung suffered from a number of chronic illnesses, which gradually weakened her body and severely reduced her quality of life. At the same time, she experienced a long goodbye to her husband who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and gradually lost his ability to take care of himself and his language skills.

These experiences profoundly impacted Chiung and strengthened her belief that life should not end in pain and suffering. In her final note, she wrote, “Taking charge of my own life is a relief for myself and a release for my family.” She chose to end her life on her own terms, hoping to free herself from the grip of illness and avoid unnecessary medical interventions.

Is this a defense of autonomy over life or a helpless form of relief? How should we view such a choice?

Based on the principles of integrative medicine and the framework of four-dimensional health, this article examines how each stage of an older person’s life can be enriched with dignity and meaning across four key dimensions: physical, mental, social, and spiritual.

1. Physical Health: Building the Foundation for Well-being

Starting with physical health, we take a step-by-step look at how to cope with some of the challenges of old age.

Story continues below advertisement

Physical health is the cornerstone of well-being. Many older adults deal with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis. These illnesses not only cause physical discomfort but also significantly impact mental health.

I treated a man in his 70s suffering from arthritis. Due to chronic knee pain, he could barely walk.

We used a combination of acupuncture, dietary adjustments, and moderate exercise as part of an integrative treatment plan. After six months, he regained his ability to take morning walks—a simple activity that brought vitality back into his life.

A 26-week randomized clinical trial with 298 late-stage cancer patients found that both acupuncture and massage effectively reduced pain. They also improved fatigue, insomnia, and overall quality of life for the patients.

2. Psychological Health: Easing Loneliness and Helplessness

While physical pain can often be alleviated, feelings of loneliness and helplessness are more subtle and harder to address.

Story continues below advertisement

For instance, Chiung, amid her prolonged illness, experienced profound helplessness. Her loneliness stemmed not just from physical suffering but more from her resistance to a life she perceived as meaningless.

How Can We Help the Elderly Overcome Psychological Challenges?

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) in October in 2023, approximately 14 percent of people aged 60 and above suffer from mental disorders, with depression and anxiety being the most common. Alarmingly, the WHO’s 2019 global health estimates revealed that more than a quarter (27 percent) of global suicide deaths were among people 60 or older.

I have an 85-year-old patient who fell into deep depression after the passing of her husband. Through meditation and group therapy, she has gradually come to terms with her loss and rejoined community activities. This highlights the vital importance of psychological support.

Meditation, mindfulness therapy, and group therapy can all help alleviate the anxiety older adults feel about loneliness and death. Research shows that mindfulness-based group therapy is just as effective as individual cognitive-behavioral therapy for those suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, or adjustment disorders.

3. Social Belonging: Rediscovering Purpose and Connection

Simply addressing psychological issues is not enough. Older adults often feel forgotten and need to rediscover their sense of value and belonging in society.

Older adults possess immense social value—they just need the right platform to showcase it. During a community event, one older man shared his struggles and achievements from his youth. Not only did it inspire many young people, but it also helped him rediscover the meaning of his life. He later told me that it was one of the brightest moments of his life.

Story continues below advertisement

Therefore, by participating in community activities, volunteering, or even simple family gatherings, older adults can reconnect with society. This sense of belonging significantly enhances their life satisfaction.

4. Spirituality and End-of-Life Care: Finding Peace and Purpose

As the end of life approaches, spiritual care can provide profound comfort and meaning. Spirituality isn’t limited to religious beliefs—it can also involve self-reflection, life reviews, and finding peace with one’s past.

One late-stage cancer patient, while receiving end-of-life care, created a farewell video for his family. Through this process, he found fulfillment and left behind a beautiful memory for his loved ones. His fear of death diminished, and his final days were marked by peace and acceptance.

End-of-life care addresses both physical and emotional pain, helping individuals live meaningfully until the very end. Family involvement in this process is crucial. Research shows that when families actively participate in end-of-life communication, it enhances both the quality of life and the quality of death for the patient.

Moving Forward: Living With Love and Dignity

Chiung’s story urges us to rethink how we approach aging and end-of-life care. By embracing the principles of integrative medicine and addressing the physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions of health, we can help older adults lead dignified, fulfilling lives.

As family members, we can create moments of happiness by spending quality time together and listening with empathy. As a society, we must advocate for compassionate end-of-life care and empower individuals to face their final chapters with peace and purpose.

Let us use medicine, compassion, and love to ensure that every stage of life is filled with meaning and dignity.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here.