How do old people die?

My Mum had a stroke at 75, she never recovered and died 2 days later. My Dad had lung cancer and died aged 87, but was only ill the last three months. My Mother in Law, we think gave up when her Sister died, she stopped eating and drinking and although seemed herself when we saw her, she was 84. My Father in Law, had diabetes and contracted gangrene, he went into hospital on a Sunday, was nil by mouth as they were going to operate, 6 days later he died, they hadn’t operated. He was very much full of life, we spoke to him the afternoon before he died, he was full of joy, just waiting for his operation to be over, he was 88.

I know it's difficult but sometimes addressing ongoing health issues can be really restorative. For example you mention your father in law smells of urine. Firstly he may not notice. Or maybe neither of them are managing with the laundry. Secondly it's often a symptom of an underlying health issue. Maybe ongoing infections or prostate issues. He might benefit from seeing a continence nurse or using discreet pads.

Best wishes.

My father and maternal grandparents all died suddenly at home of heart attacks. Mercifully swift but a shock to those they left behind. My father was 92 and on his way to the garage to do something.

My mother's almost 94, lives independently at home on her own and I'm assuming that's what will happen - and I guess hoping as she would be extremely resistant to carers of any description.

From sad recent experience in my own family, they stopped eating and drinking.

How old are they? It could easily be a decade from able to but struggling to host Christmas for a large family and dying. Some people may have a fairly sudden end as in 6 to 12 months, other may decline over a slower period, very few people have a sudden death.