Too Old for Lifesaving but Expensive Procedures?

The Chicago Tribune explores a question that will be increasingly asked over the next few years:  Should physicians, as some in Chicago recently have, perform a balloon angioplasty on a 96-year-old or implant a new heart valve in a 101-year old?  

The article reviews the widely-published arguments of Daniel Callahan. I am glad these discussions are getting much greater public exposure.  This will help inform and spur a much-needed societal debate.  I like much of Callahan's argument, but think that while age might be one relevant factor, I think the answer to these questions should focus more on the capacity to benefit.