David Goodall, a 104-year-old Australian scientist, has begun a journey to terminate his life, saying he “greatly regrets” getting old.

Advertisement

The renowned ecologist and botanist does not have a terminal illness but his quality of life has deteriorated.

According to BBCGoodall was pictured at the airport wearing a sweatshirt with the inscription ‘ageing disgracefully’.

“I greatly regret having reached that age,” Goodall told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on his birthday last month.

Advertisement

“I’m not happy. I want to die. It’s not sad particularly. What is sad is if one is prevented.

“I am 104 years old so I haven’t got much time left anyway.

“I might as well not have it (my health) getting worse and worse, making me unhappy as it goes.”

Advertisement

Goodall, a honorary research associate at Edith Cowan University, has made arrangements to travel to Basel, Switzerland, where an end of life clinic has approved his application for euthanasia.

“If one chooses to kill oneself, then that should be fair enough. I don’t think anyone else should interfere.”

An online petition raised $15,000 to help Goodall get to Europe.

He will visit family in France before proceeding to Switzerland, where voluntary euthanasia is legal, to end his life on May 10.

Advertisement


Copyright 2024 TheCable. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TheCable.

Follow us on twitter @Thecablestyle