This very complex question is at the heart of a wonderfully rich movie, Away From Her.
Through the touching story it raises two important questions for those of us who are entering our 'third age':
1. What happens if your partner can't take care of him/herself any longer?
2. Who makes that final decision- do the wishes of the capable or ailing spouse prevail?
The answers are hard to come by but well worth considering, I think.
Would you leave your partner if he/her really wanted you to live unburdened without him/her?


