Final answer:
A living will or advance directive states what treatments should be omitted or refused if a person is unable to make those decisions, while a health care proxy appoints someone to make decisions on their behalf if they are incapacitated.
Step-by-step explanation:
A living will or advance directive is a legal document that states what treatments should be omitted or refused in the event that a person is unable to make those decisions. It details specific interventions a person wants, such as not wanting to receive life-extending treatments.
A health care proxy appoints a trusted relative or proxy to make healthcare decisions on an individual's behalf if they are incapacitated.
The desire for living wills and health care proxies is influenced by factors such as religion, culture, and upbringing.