On Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:18:04 -0600, Michel Boucher
> wrote:

>Dave Smith > wrote in news:6EE_q.8982
:
>
>>> The Inuit. Left the elderly to freeze on ice floes (well, not
>>> anymore...soon NO ice floes).
>>
>> Actually, the story goes that the old wandered off on their own.
>
>Strictly speaking yes, but they only did it because resources were
>sparse and society expected them to do it. Had they refused they
>would have been pushed out.

Still, even in those days 19th century and earlier, senilicide was a
rare practice, and generally only occurred during times of famine.
Female infanticide may have been more common, though.

Boron