At closing on 79 years of age and really starting to feel the years, I wonder how old is too old to keep living.

As a child, adolescent and as a young man growing up, I was really scared about dying. I remember thinking that if I made 54 at the turn of the century, I would be doing well.

Nearly a quarter of a century later and with children closing on that age, I wonder when too many years become too much.

I fear losing physical capacity and mental acuity. I fear the onset of faltering voice and an horrified by my aging and wrinkling skin which is fast losing elasticity, therefore hanging on my limbs.

I am no longer afraid of dying and want to depart this life on my terms and without being a burden to others. I’d definitely like to pass over by the respectful method of euthanasia, but here in the NT of Australia that is not an option. Neither, when finally legalised, will mental decline be an allowed aspect of the legislation.

Suicide may well be my only option. The question becomes one of timing.