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Living wills and other advance directives include written, legal instructions that state the treatment you want for medical conditions when you're unable to make decisions for yourself. Advance directives guide choices for healthcare professionals and caregivers in certain situations. For example, a medical team may use advance directives when you're unable to talk and are terminally ill, seriously injured, in a coma, in the late stages of dementia or near the end of life.

Advance directives aren't only for older adults. You can have unexpected accidents, illnesses or end-of-life situations happen at any age. So it's important for all adults to prepare these papers.

By planning ahead, you can get the medical care you want and avoid unnecessary suffering. You also can relieve caregivers of decision-making burdens during times of crisis or grief. And you help lessen confusion or disagreement about the choices you would want people to make on your behalf.