Health Viewpoints

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.
Reflections on Chiung Yao’s Passing: Living Old Age With Dignity and Purpose
Chiung Yao holds her new book at a book release event in Taipei on Aug 1, 2017. CNA/AFP via Getty Images
Jingduan Yang
|Updated:
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.

Jingduan Yang
Jingduan Yang
M.D.
Dr. Jingduan Yang is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in integrative and traditional Chinese medicine. He developed the ACES Model of Health and Medicine and leads clinical, educational, and research initiatives. As a principal founder of the Northern School of Medicine and Health Sciences, he advances whole-person care grounded in science, ethics, and humanity.