The risk of becoming frail, disabled, and dependent rises dramatically with age. While the average length of life has increased, people are often living longer with some very disabling chronic conditions which the present medical system can "manage" but not cure. So while the lives of many people have been prolonged through advances in medicine and public health, the quality of an older person's life often suffers. Aged individuals may become dependent on medical technology and professional care providers for years - not just weeks or months.
15 Miss. Code. R. 9-99-1.4.8