"Extreme unction, which may also and more properly be called, anointing of the sick is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death." (ie. "Last Rites" we often hear it called).

Rather, the sacrament is to be offered in the following circumstances:

• anyone whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age;
• a sick person who is preparing for a serious operation
• elderly people who have become notable weakened even though no serious illness is present