Death and Afterlife Beliefs 13 Death and Afterlife Beliefs

Physical Aspects of Death

Use figure to discuss the changes in causes of death from 1840 to present. Highlight change from infectious disease to heart disease or cancer L.O. 13.1 Figure 13.1 Causes of Death in Massachusetts from the 1840s–Present As infectious diseases were effectively prevented and treated, deaths due to heart disease and cancer increased. Source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health

The Demography of Death Major Cause of Death Today One major cause of death is cardiovascular disease Arteries that supply blood become narrow due to plaque build up Symptom: Angina Pectoris—severe pain in chest, neck and left arm Can have a heart attack—weakness, dizziness, confusion, and shortness of breath

The Demography of Death Cardiovascular Disease Men have higher rates of heart disease than women African American rates high, Latino and Asian American lowest Highest rates in eastern European countries and low in southern Europe Risk factors include: Diet, cigarette smoking, and lack of exercise (obesity) Highlight that leading cause of death in developed countries is CVD

The Demography of Death Cancer Occurs in later adulthood because cell replication becomes less efficient as people age Symptoms vary but can include weight loss, fatigue, and weakness L.O.13.2

The Demography of Death Cancer Cancer is more common among men than women Risk factors include: smoking, diet, excessive alcohol use, and chronic exposure to sunlight Strongly genetic and consequence of aging L.O.13.2

Beyond Death: The Sources of Aging Aging impacted by cellular clock Cell replication is limited—Hayflick limit Limitation caused by the telomere Each replication shortens the telomere which impacts life expectancy Regulating telomeres is a way to extend Hayflick limit Preventing free radicals through antioxidants may also impact aging

Beyond Death Can Aging Be Reversed? Growth hormone—can increase muscle mass and bone density DHEA-hormone involved in muscle growth No clear benefit as yet Reduced caloric intake has had some positive results

Sociocultural and Emotional Responses to Death

The Sociocultural Contexts of Death Where We Die In developing countries most die at home In developed countries only 20% die at home Many prefer to die in comfort but in developed countries that is a challenge due to causes of illness Highlight the challenge is due to type of diseases in developed countries making caregiving difficult L.O. 13.5

The Sociocultural Contexts of Death Where We Die Hospitals can provide care but more impersonal Increased chance of loneliness, fear, and untreated pain Highlight the challenge is due to type of diseases in developed countries making caregiving difficult L.O. 13.5

The Sociocultural Contexts of Death Options Regarding the End of Life Hospice care—Addresses needs of individuals with 6 months or less to live Palliative care—relieve pain and suffering Takes place at home Provides medical, psychological, and spiritual counseling Housekeeping support End slide with concerns for hospice Major concern being the idea of giving up

The Sociocultural Contexts of Death Options Regarding the End of Life Euthanasia means “good death” Passive euthanasia—ceasing medical interventions Active euthanasia—ceasing treatment and taking steps to encourage death Can be difficult to determine the distinction between the two Passive is legal in most countries while active is not Good discussion on choice of words for survey research and support of euthanasia Mention Dutch

The Sociocultural Contexts of Death Options Regarding the End of Life Advanced directive gives written instructions concerning end of life care Can include a living will specifying treatments to be done or not done Can include a Do Not Resuscitate provision and health care proxy May not always be followed L.O. 13.6

Bereavement and Grief Emotional Arc of Grief Bereavement is experiencing the loss of a loved one Grief is the intense psychological response that accompanies bereavement Grief responses change over time Involves shock followed Mention depression as well

Bereavement and Grief Variations in Grieving Parents’ death can place children at risk for depression A child’s death can increase divorce risk A spouse’s death can increase risk of mortality of surviving spouse Sudden deaths evoke more intense grief than anticipated deaths Highlight gender differences in spouse death

Bereavement and Grief Confronting Death Elizabeth Kubler-Ross proposed five stages in response to death Denial—refuse to believe diagnoses Anger—it is not fair Bargaining—towards God or other spiritual entity Depression—death is near Acceptance—peace L.O. 13.9

Bereavement and Grief Confronting Death Limitations of theory include: Not all go through five stages Missing fear as a response Lack of cultural context L.O. 13.9

Beliefs About Death and the Afterlife

Young children understand death is permanent but not inevitable Beliefs About Death Throughout the Life Span Beliefs in Childhood and Adolescence Young children understand death is permanent but not inevitable Understanding may be limited due to adults euphemisms referring to death Adolescents understand death and beliefs are more abstract L.O. 13.10

Beliefs About Death Throughout the Life Span Beliefs in Adulthood Death anxiety is highest in emerging adulthood Due to plans and goals still to accomplish Death anxiety is lowest in late adulthood Due to life review and expectation of death

Beliefs About Death Throughout the Life Span Beliefs in Adulthood Anxiety is lowest in those with strongest religious faith Anxiety is highest in people who are unsure of religious belief

Beliefs About Death Throughout the Life Span Beliefs in Adulthood Beliefs about death also change throughout adulthood Young adulthood focuses on fear for one’s child Middle adulthood may tend to reexamine life Late adulthood are familiar with death and may talk about it L.O. 13.11

Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning Rituals Afterlife Beliefs in the Major Religions Death not the end in most religions Morality in life is reflected in the afterlife Reincarnation status or Heaven/Hell Differences in ritual and funeral observances

Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning Rituals Individual Beliefs About Life After Death Use the figure to highlight beliefs in the afterlife which overall was about 50% Highlight the patterns across countries as stated in the text

This table can be used to highlight Americas belief in afterlife and religious differences. L.O. 13.13 Table 13.1 Americans’ Belief in an Afterlife Responses to the question: “Do you believe in life after death?” Source: U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, Pew Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life, © 2008, Pew Research Center. http://religions.pewforum.org/

Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning Rituals Mourning Rituals of the Major Religions Ritual is important for Hinduism which include Bathing the body with holy water and draped with white cloth Sprinkling rice on mouth Cremation with only men present Ashes are scattered and on 31st day, a memorial service is held

Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning Rituals Mourning Rituals of the Major Religions Buddhism rituals include: Presence of monks is important Bathing ceremony after death Cremation Feast held on day of cremation Continual prayers performed by monks

Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning Rituals Mourning Rituals of the Major Religions Judaism tends to have a community of volunteers Body is washed and purified Body is dried and wrapped in linen Laid to rest with no coffin Family members enter 7 day mourning period followed by a second 30 day period

Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning Rituals Mourning Rituals of the Major Religions Two major mourning traditions in Christianity Catholic—anointing of the sick, followed by a vigil, and a requiem mass is held Protestant—may have a funeral service which includes a eulogy Protestant less ritualized than Catholic tradition

Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning Rituals Mourning Rituals of the Major Religions Islamic rituals include: Gathering near deathbed reciting the Koran Body is bathed and burial takes place shortly after death Cremation is forbidden Body laid on right side facing Mecca Three day mourning period with wives mourning for 4 months and 10 days L.O. 13.14

Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning Rituals Honoring the Dead Hindu—year anniversary of death the deceased favorite food is prepared Buddhist—ancestor worship Jewish—Yahrezit candle lit for 24 hours and prayer recited 3 times Christian—three-day period called All Hallows Eve Muslims—visit graves, show respect, and offer prayers