In a rapidly changing world where discussions around death are often shrouded in discomfort, Dr. Hannah Gould aims to redefine our understanding of mortality. As the author of *How to Die in the 21st Century*, she sheds light on the evolving landscape of end-of-life decisions, particularly among the baby boomer generation, who are poised to reshape the deathcare landscape in Australia. With predictions of a significant increase in the annual death rate by 2040, Gould urges society to rethink what constitutes a ‘good death’.
The Coming Wave of Mortality
By 2040, Australia is expected to experience a dramatic rise in its death rate, attributed to the ageing baby boomer population. Dr. Gould, a prominent death scholar and lecturer in Buddhist Studies at the University of Melbourne, refers to this phenomenon as “boomergeddon.” She highlights that with this surge comes a heightened demand for autonomy and control over end-of-life decisions.
“The overwhelming value of end-of-life choices, particularly for baby boomers, is centred on the concepts of right, autonomy, and control,” Gould explains. The desire to tailor one’s final moments—from bespoke aged care to unique funerals—reflects a shift in attitudes toward death compared to previous generations.
A Generational Perspective on Death
Gould notes a stark contrast in how different generations approach death. While baby boomers may seek to exercise control over their end-of-life experiences, millennials often feel a lack of resources to do so. “I don’t think millennials believe they have enough agency to control anything, let alone their own deaths,” she asserts. This generational divide raises critical questions about societal expectations surrounding mortality and the resources available to navigate them.
As a child, Gould was initially apprehensive about death, but her academic journey led her to explore its complexities deeply. Her personal experiences, including the loss of her father at a young age, have further informed her understanding of what constitutes a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ death. “Classifying the entirety of that experience as ‘bad’ is infuriating,” she remarks, reflecting on the societal narratives surrounding death.
The Importance of Compassion in Deathcare
With the increasing demand for personalised funerals and eco-friendly options, Gould emphasises the need for compassion towards those who work in deathcare. Many individuals envision picturesque send-offs, such as being buried in a meadow with a sapling planted above. However, Gould cautions that these ideas can be overly simplistic and often disregard the realities faced by deathcare professionals. “The notion of a ‘green death’ is frequently naive,” she warns, urging a more informed dialogue about what deathcare entails.
Her experiences working in crematoria and funeral homes have made her a staunch advocate for the welfare of death workers, who often face emotional and psychological challenges due to increasingly elaborate requests from families. “The more extravagant the funeral demands, the greater the risk for those who are tasked with fulfilling them,” she explains.
The Need for Open Conversations About Dying
Despite an array of new technologies and options emerging in the deathcare sector, society remains largely averse to discussing mortality. This reluctance is evident in trends like AI grief companions, which Gould argues further distance us from the human experience of confronting death. “This trend reinforces our fear of mortality and undermines the essential human connection involved in caring for someone who is dying,” she cautions.
In her book, Gould shares vital insights on navigating mortality, including practical steps everyone should take. One essential piece of advice? Know your legal next of kin. “If you have concerns about that person making decisions for you, it’s crucial to change that designation,” she advises, particularly for young individuals facing complex family dynamics.
Why it Matters
As society grapples with an ageing population and evolving attitudes towards death, Dr. Hannah Gould’s insights are more relevant than ever. Her advocacy for informed, compassionate discussions around end-of-life choices not only empowers individuals to take control of their narratives but also highlights the need for systemic changes in the deathcare sector. By fostering open dialogues about mortality, we can create a more supportive environment that acknowledges the complexities of dying while respecting the needs of those both living and working in the shadow of death.
