Most people do not want to talk about death at all, let alone talk about their own deaths. However, in a new trend people are gathering at so called “Death Cafes” to discuss the subject with strangers.
Facing the reality that our lives will someday end can be an unnerving subject for most people. We even avoid thinking about it or discussing it with our loved ones. However, many people think we can actually lead more fulfilling lives if we discuss the subject openly and if we make plans for situations that could arise at the end of our lives.
News 4 Jax, in an article titled “Death Cafes allow end-of-life discussions,” tells the story of a new trend that has strangers coming together to talk about the once taboo subject of death and dying.
At these gatherings called “Death Cafes” people discuss a wide range of issues concerning end-of-life care, the right to die, and legal documents, such as powers of attorney and wills. While many people will find the subject too morbid to discuss, from an estate planning perspective this could be a great new trend.
Most Americans do not have an estate plan, oftentimes because they do not want to talk about death or confront the fact that they will die. The lack of an estate plan often causes problems for the family members who are left behind. If death cafes encourage people to talk about death and get estate plans implemented, then they could be very positive.
Regardless of whether you want to seek out and attend a death cafe for yourself, it is a good idea to consider what will happen at the end of your life and after you pass away. However, do not just stop there. Take the next step and have an estate plan prepared by an experienced estate planning attorney.
Please contact our office today at 239-225-7911 to schedule an appointment with Barbara M. Pizzolato if you are interested in protecting your legacy and need to create or update your estate plan. You may also wish to attend one of our free seminars.
Reference: News 4 Jax (September 20, 2014) “Death Cafes allow end-of-life discussions“
