Why Many of Us Have Problems Facing Death—and How to Get Through It
From The Observatory
American attitudes toward death have changed dramatically over the past 150 years. During the Civil War, death was a constant presence, and communities relied on shared rituals to cope with loss. But as the Second Industrial Revolution reshaped society, people moved into cities, hospitals replaced home care, and dying became a medical event instead of a family experience. This shift laid the groundwork for today’s widespread “death denial.”
In the late 20th century, a new movement began pushing back against this avoidance. Scholars and advocates—called “neomodern revivalists”—encouraged honest conversations about dying. Interest grew slowly, but after the COVID-19 pandemic, many more people recognized the need to understand grief, support the bereaved, and talk openly about end-of-life choices.
Even so, there is a major gap between belief and action. Many adults say end-of-life planning is important, yet few complete an advance care directive or name a health care proxy. This lack of planning can create serious problems: financial strain, unwanted medical treatment, caregiver burnout, and long-lasting emotional distress for families. Young people, especially, can develop unhealthy fears around death when adults try to hide or soften the truth.
Psychologists note that people often cope with mortality by seeking symbolic or literal immortality—through legacy, religion, or even technology like cryonics or transhumanism. But experts argue that a healthier approach is to build “death literacy,” meaning both practical preparation and emotional understanding. Research shows that thinking about mortality can increase empathy, generosity, and appreciation for life.
Developing death literacy begins with self-reflection, exploring community resources, and having open conversations. It continues with practical steps like naming a health care proxy and completing an advance care directive. By preparing for death, individuals reduce stress for loved ones and gain a clearer, more grounded sense of how they want to live.
Read the full article “Why Many of Us Have Problems Facing Death—and How to Get Through It” by Caren Martineau
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
