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  3. Kirk Douglas -- hard to watch?

Kirk Douglas — hard to watch?

Actor Kirk Douglas presents the award for best supporting actress during the 83rd Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ((AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) / Associated Press)
Actor Kirk Douglas presents the award for best supporting actress during the 83rd Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ((AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) / Associated Press)

Actor Kirk Douglas' appearance at the Academy Awards show was hard to watch for some folks, if chatter in the workout room this morning was an indicator.

He had a bad stroke a few years ago and came back from it, except for halting speech and some physical feebleness.

The discussion centered around whether celebrities who have obvious and debilitating illnesses -- or just showing the slow-downs of older age -- should bow out of the limelight or hang in, showing us what the journey to mortality can look like.

Those in the discussion were about divided. What do you think?

(AP photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., discuss here issues facing aging boomers, seniors and those experiencing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.