He's spoken to me of his diminished life and his wish to just end things. Everyone around him, family and friends alike, find that nearly impossible to discuss with any objectivity, probably because this fellow has brought nothing but warmth and delight to all around him for so long a time. It's a case of his desires vs what we around him perceive of as our loss.
In theory I believe in autonomy, but wow, when I come face-to-face with the reality I'm really torn. I can't find a way out. I understand his wishes on every level, yet cannot bring myself past reminding him that a botched attempt of some sort could make things worse.