No matter what good choices we make, we rarely know what the last stages of life will bring. My mother was a healthful eater, an avid exerciser, a non-smoker and drinker...and pancreatic cancer got her at 52. I am the health care proxy for my mother's cousin. She was in great good health, even traveling alone, until 95. But during the last 5 years, as she is now 100, she has been completely bedridden, and yes, needs someone to change her diapers and wipe her bottom.