Dying Old Man Assessments and Cut-off by Avey C. and Lled Buzzard

 Dying Old Man Assessments and Cut-off by Avey C. and Lled Buzzard

Requirement	Specification
Dedicated To	Theodore “Ted” Francis (D. 2024)
Title	Dying Old Man Assessments and Cut-off by Avey C. and Lled Buzzard
Author(s)	Avey C., Lled Buzzard & Keith Torkelson MS
Blog	HealthMan
Filename	08_Population_Dying_DOMs_23112802_Assessment V2025
Date Published	August 15, 2025 (F)
Key Words	Cut-off, Dying, Old, Men
Persons of Interest	Keith “Buster” Torkelson, Ted F, Al, New Old Man John, John Tviede
Scorer	Keith “Buster” Torkelson
Assessor	Magnus EMe
Assessments	Dying Old Man Progress Scale 27 Items & Progression Towards Death 21 Items
Number of Images	About 10
Purpose	Add value to the life’s of Older Adults with a focus on Old Men
Mission	People who deserve to be remembered

Results Up Front

Summary - Sections A & B

Features of a Dying Old Man (DOM) – 27 Items

Dying Old Man Progress Scale Score

Buster rates Buster & TF

 

Parts	2023 1010 (TU) Buster on Buster	FY 2023 2025 0703 (TH-Retro) SW-TF
CALC Sub-score Section A	=1.25/15	=7.50/15
CALC Sub-score Section B	=1.75/12	=9.50/12
Final Calculation	=3.00/27	=17.00/27
On the road score - Person of vintage (Male) Dying Old Man Progress Score 27 Items (LSF) =	11.1%	63.0%

Last Updated: 20250703-TH:

 

How is it TF? – Cut-off

>TF or Theodore Francis died in 2024.  He was less than 65 years old.  We use his characteristics to determine a cut-off value in our Dying Old Man (DOM) Assessment.  TF had a few indicators that he may be dying.  He suffered untreated Sleep Apnea which caused to wake up all night long choking.  For now, our DOM Progress score has a cut-off of 33%.  Low scores are favorable.

Slow Death V Fast Death I of II

Slow Death vs. Fast Death: Understanding Different Forms of Mortality

The terms "slow death" and "fast death" refer to the way death occurs, contrasting a gradual decline with a sudden event.

 

1. Fast Death

Characteristics

Sudden, often unexpected, and caused by external factors.

 

Causes

Accidents, injuries (such as those caused by weapons or vehicles), and infectious diseases.

 

Modern Medicine's Role

Traditionally, modern medicine has focused on treating these acute conditions and fighting fast death.

 

2. Slow Death

Characteristics

A gradual deterioration over time, usually due to chronic health conditions.

 

Causes

• Chronic diseases of aging, such as…
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer's or ALS)
• Type 2 diabetes and related metabolic dysfunction

 

Challenges

Modern medicine has struggled to make significant progress in effectively treating these chronic diseases, highlighting a need for a different approach than that used for fast death.

 

Psychological Impact:

A slow death can be feared due to the potential for prolonged pain, suffering, loss of control, and dependence on others. It can also bring about spiritual questions and a period of reflection on one's life.

 

3. Historical Context

Suffering

Historically, many societies employed brutal and prolonged methods of execution, aiming to maximize suffering and instill fear. Examples include impalement, boiling, and lingchi ("death by a thousand cuts").  In contrast, some ancient methods were considered more merciful, like decapitation which was seen as a quick and relatively painless way to die, often reserved for nobility.

Humane Graceful Death

In summary, the distinction between slow and fast death underscores the varied ways in which life ends. Fast death is often a sudden and acute event, while slow death involves a gradual decline from chronic illness. While historical methods of execution often aimed for a slow and painful demise, modern society and medicine increasingly focus on methods considered more humane and less agonizing.

Grace

"Grace" can refer to several concepts. In the context of Christian theology, it typically means God's unmerited favor and love towards humanity. More broadly, grace can describe elegance, beauty, or charm in movement or appearance. It can also refer to a polite or thoughtful way of behaving, or a willingness to be fair and forgive.

Peace

Peace generally refers to a state of tranquility and harmony, often characterized by the absence of conflict, violence, or disturbance. It can be understood at various levels, from individual inner peace to global peace between nations. Peace can be achieved through various means, including diplomacy, conflict resolution, and promoting understanding and cooperation.

Dying

"Dying" refers to the process of ceasing to live or the end of life. It can describe the state of someone who is nearing death, or it can refer to the time when something ends or ceases to exist. The word can also be used to describe something that is in its final stages of existence or decay.

Old

In addition to chronological age, people can be considered old because of the other dimensions of old age. For example, people may be considered old when they become grandparents or when they begin to do less or different work in retirement.

Man

"Man" can refer to an adult male human. It can also be used more broadly to refer to humanity as a whole or to a person in general. Additionally, it can be used in various contexts like a husband, a lover, a male follower, or even as an interjection in slang.

How is it Men?

>We specialize in human males because Keith has lived experience as a male.  From him we know more about the male perspective.  Finally we know far more males during the process of dying than females.

Section A

Features of a Dying Old Man (DOM) – 27 Items [DOM-27]

Buster rates Buster & TF

##	Tendency	2023 1010 (TU) Buster	FY 2023 2025 0703 (TH-Retro) TF
01	Bed Wetting	0.00	0.25
02	Bedridden	0.00	0.25
03	Could not cook	0.00	0.25
04	Die (Parity 100% V 63%)	0.00	1.00
05	Dishonest with Doctor(s)	0.25	1.00
06	Do not get out of the house on own	0.00	0.00
07	Family gives up on them	0.00	0.50
08	Few or no Extended Activities	0.00	0.50
09	Few or no visitors	0.25	0.50
10	Give up on intimacy	0.00	0.25
11	Hoard resources	0.25	0.25
12	Hospitalized for Physical Ailments	0.00	0.00
13	Inappropriate medication	0.25	1.00
14	Ineffective Medication	0.00	1.00
15	Learned hopelessness	0.25	0.75
	CALC Sub-score	=1.25/15	=7.50/15

Section B

Features of a Dying Old Man (DOM) – 27 Items [DOM-27]

Buster rates Buster & TF

##	Tendency	2023 1010 (TU) Buster	FY 2023 2025 0703 (TH-Retro) TF
16	Lie to the doctors by omission	0.25	1.00
17	Mute / Mutism	0.25	0.75
18	Narcolepsy	0.00	0.75
19	No Rigorous Treatment Plan	0.00	1.00
20	On five (5) medications or more	0.25	0.25
21	Passed dying too young threshold	0.00	1.00
22	Poor quality of sleep	0.25	1.00
23	Relatively Old	0.25	0.25
24	Released from the hospital still sick	0.00	1.00
25	Severe impact of symptoms	0.25	1.00
26	Symptoms increase Needs care-giving	0.00	0.50
27 (12)	Underserved / Inappropriately Served	0.25	1.00
	CALC Sub-score	-=1.75/12	=9.50/12

 

FYI - 2024-2025 Fatalities

Character	Rate
Romer P	Slow then Fast
Ted F	Slow
John T	Slow
Kevin T	Slow
Ruben JD	Slow
Candace B	Slow then Fast

Do dying old men matter?

Yes, dying old men matter, just as all individuals, regardless of age or health status, deserve respect, dignity, and compassion. In the context of end-of-life care, especially in situations where older men may be experiencing significant health challenges or the decline of independence, it is crucial to ensure their dignity and autonomy are upheld. Ultimately, recognizing the value of dying old men and providing them with compassionate, respectful care is essential for building a society that upholds the dignity of all its members, throughout every stage of life.

Other Assessment Considerations

Associated Measures

20250706-SU-Score Retroactively for 2023

Keith Scores Ted (TF) – Theodore Francis

 

Code	Measurement	Score
ADL	Activities of Daily Living basic	Greater than 70 out of 100 (HSF)
ALZ	May have ALZ or some form of dementia	Didn’t formally assess
BND-HRA	Health Risk Assessment	Less than 70 of 100 (LSF)
GAF	Global Assessment of Functioning	Less than 70 of 100 (HSF)
SAA	Sleep Apnea Assessment	Had untreated SA
SOFAS	Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale	Less than 70 of 100 (HSF)

 

HSF = High scores are favorable | LSF = Low scores are favorable

Features of Dying Old Men (DOMs-21)

Developing a Dying Old Man (DOM) Measure

Buster score self and Zep

How is it we choose Zep?

Zep was actually high functioning and not a dying old man when we met him back in 2015.

Progression Toward Death – 21 Items

 

I#	Feature	FY 2023 Buster on Buster 2025 0703 (TU-Retro)	Test with Zep (TF) 2023 1103 (F-RT)
01	Angry	0.25	0.75
02	Bed-ridden	0.00	0.75
03	Blindly watch TV	0.00	0.50
04	Do not improve environment	0.00	0.75
05	Do not routinely get out	0.00	0.75
06	Few or no visitors	0.25	1.00
07	Grumpy (External)	1.00	0.25
08	Highly dependent	0.50	0.75
09	Intentionally cause harm	0.25	0.50
10	Learned Helplessness	0.00	0.50
11	Lose touch with temperature	0.00	0.25
12	Narcolepsy	0.00	0.25
13	No chores no contribution	0.00	0.00
14	No cook and / or buy own food	0.00	0.25
15	No hobbies	0.00	0.50
16	No intimate interest in another	0.50	0.25
17	Not a team player	0.00	0.00
18	Not-satisfied	0.50	0.50
19	Poor medical care	0.25	0.50
20	Terribly critical	0.50	0.25
21	Unhappy (Internal)	0.50	0.50
	CALC	=4.50/21	=9.75/21
	Progression Towards Death 21 Items (PTD) (LSF) =	21.2%	46.4 %

 

Last Updated: 20250703-TH:

Slow Death V Fast Death II of II

General Terms

In general terms, "slow death" and "fast death" can be used to categorize different ways that individuals experience death.

Slow Death

Characterized by a gradual decline in health and vitality over a longer period. It is often associated with chronic diseases of aging. Examples Heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and Type 2 diabetes.  Can be associated with Experiences of prolonged physical and emotional pain, suffering, and a decline in the ability to enjoy normal activities.  May offer Time for the individual and their loved ones to prepare for death, have important conversations, and potentially make choices about end-of-life care.  Fear of slow death: Many people fear a slow death because they associate it with prolonged suffering, loss of control, and a decline in dignity.

Fast Death

Characterized by a sudden and often unexpected end of life.  Examples: Accidents, injuries, and infectious diseases.  Can be associated with shock and trauma for surviving loved ones, as there is no time for preparation or goodbyes.  May be seen as potentially less painful for the dying individual, particularly if it is instantaneous.

Important Notes

The term "slow death" can also be used in a broader, figurative sense to describe a gradual decline or deterioration in various contexts, not just related to physical health.  Medical assistance and care, like palliative care and hospice, can play a significant role in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for individuals experiencing a slow death due to serious illness.  The concept of a "good death" is highly personal and can vary significantly from one person to the next.

 

Transparency Principle

FYI - ProjectManagementPrinciplesRef012004

http://www.maxwideman.com/papers/principles/intro.htm

Retrieved: June 14, 2004: (Revision 16, Nov-03-00)

Similarly, the project's delivery team must always have a primary representative. However, this only applies to the decisions affecting the product scope and hence the project's overall cost and schedule. In all other respects, free and transparent communication is indispensable for the coordination of a complex set of project activities. Therefore, this principle must not in any way inhibit the proper exchange of information through the network of project communication channels that is required to integrate all aspects of the project.

 

Confidentiality

The mantra "Confidentiality can Kill!" highlights the significant risks and negative consequences associated with excessive or unjustified secrecy in various contexts. It suggests that while confidentiality has its place, particularly in protecting sensitive information or individuals, prioritizing it above all else can be detrimental and even harmful.

 

Images @ the End