[susiek]

"That's not for me to decide. For my own case, I have four children. I am praying that I have good daughter and son-in-laws. I am preparing for my emotional future. I want more than anything to be the type of person others will want to be around when I am old and feeble. Others can do what they wish. I, on the other hand, want to be surrounded by family on my deathbed."

First, I hope that you aren't saying that you had kids to insure your own future. That would be just as selfish as saying that you didn't have kids to insure your own future. Having children or not having children shouldn't be all about what they can or can't do for you when you're 80. Second, I also want to be surrounded by family if I am blessed enough to die in bed at an old age. But that doesn't mean that I'm going to run out and get married and pregnant just because I fear being alone in a few decades. Third, you're assuming that someone without children and in-laws will be alone if they die in bed at an old age. Maybe you don't have siblings, close nieces and nephews, close friends, etc. and only have the immediate family your created, but that's not always the case.

[Slyfox]

I have seven sisters and three brothers. Two of my sisters have decided not to have any children. They are expecting their neices and nephews to look after them when they are old. My kids adore their aunts. So, my sisters will probably have company in their declining years.

I am making no judgements. It is just sad when people are old and have no one to watch after them.