A pattern often seen in today’s society is the older generations choosing to spoil themselves rather than their descendants. While in some perspectives there are multiple reasons for preserving the wealth obtained throughout their lifetime and leaving it as inheritance, it is not characteristic for everyone. In my opinion, the elderly deserve to decide the best way to spend their money by themselves without the added judgement of others.
Some people may think that they are entitled to their family’s wealth. This belief often arises because of the expectations that are held on family members, which, of course, are implied by the family itself. However, a big part is often played by the people around. It is learned to expect the help and availability of close ones at any given time. For example, it is not uncommon for people to contact their parents or grandparents for the first time in months when they are in the hospital in critical condition, therefore showing the only reason for their actions are financial ones.
By contrast, after a lifetime spent working, it is crucial to be able to decide the spendings and savings that are done. At the point of retirement, each individual is able to analyze and conclude what the best choice is, whether that is travelling or leaving an inheritance. The overlooked aspect is that at a certain moment in life, people reach the end, at which point the things that matter are not the wealth they leave, but rather they memories they obtained. The best explanation is that at the end of life, it is believed that, for a couple of minutes, the brain replays the best memories it remembers.
Consequently, I believe the only people who have the right to decide the future of their wealth are the owners themselves.