I rewatched this movie several times and it bothered me that he wanted to take his life because life wasnโt worth living when his wife died. It hit home that after meeting his neighbors and realizing he had a reason for living was the message. Helping others took the place of his family he lost. He had a purpose again.
The acting is great and the best part is ironically funny when he dies because his heart is too big. Sorry for the spoiler but he was such a grouch and kind of mean throughout the movie so actually he did have a big heart when he changes his tune.