Death Scholar Warns of 'Boomergeddon' and Urges Realistic End-of-Life Planning
Dr Hannah Gould, a death scholar and author of How to Die in the 21st Century, is sounding the alarm about an impending crisis she terms 'boomergeddon.' By around 2040, Australia is projected to reach peak death, with annual mortality rates doubling due to the aging baby boomer population. This surge is expected to place immense strain on both healthcare and deathcare systems, prompting a critical reevaluation of how society approaches dying.
The Value of Autonomy and Control in End-of-Life Decisions
Gould highlights that for baby boomers, the dominant values in end-of-life decisions are right, autonomy, and control. This generation increasingly seeks to choreograph their final acts, from bespoke aged care solutions to unique burial methods. However, Gould, who lectures in Buddhist Studies at the University of Melbourne, expresses concern over this desire for total control. She notes that this perspective differs sharply from previous generations and may not align with millennial views, where control is often seen as elusive due to limited resources.
Personalization and Naivety in Eco-Funerals
One of the top trends Gould observes is the personalization of funerals, with many people expressing a desire for a return to nature. Common requests include being buried in a meadow with a sapling planted above. Gould cautions against such naive ideas, pointing out that these practices can harm the environment and lack compassion for death workers. She emphasizes that green death concepts are often uninformed by the realities of deathcare, including the welfare of those in the industry.
During her PhD research, Gould worked in crematoriums and funeral homes, advocating for better conditions for death workers. She warns that increasingly elaborate funeral demands can pose psychosocial hazards to these professionals. As independent providers rush to meet growing expectations, Gould criticizes media for often reporting on new technologies without fact-checking their environmental claims, leading to misconceptions about regulation and safety.
The Importance of Legal Next-of-Kin Decisions
Despite advancements in deathcare options, Gould notes that society remains averse to discussing mortality. She criticizes trends like AI grief companions, arguing they rob people of human caregiving experiences. Instead, she urges everyone to take a simple but crucial step: know who your legal next of kin is. If you disagree with this person making decisions for you, change it legally. This is especially important for marginalized groups, such as young queer individuals or those in contentious family relationships.
Gould recommends communicating end-of-life wishes clearly, even if it's just a note on the fridge. As 'the death person,' she practices what she preaches, having her mother outline preferences for medical interventions and funeral arrangements. Her book, How to Die in the 21st Century, offers six lessons on mortality, covering topics from contemplation to memorialization, aiming to foster more open and realistic conversations about death.
