How do Americans view death? It depends on the generation.
When the time comes for us to make decisions about death, most of us – with the exception of Generation Z – would rather be cremated than buried, a recent survey of U.S. adults shows.
Generation Z members ages 18 to 27 responded differently than older Americans when asked about death, including their disposition, funeral plans, or even just talking about it.
Generational views aside, the online survey of 2,000 adults in May revealed differences in our general attitudes toward death.
For example, 91 percent of Americans believe it is normal to talk about death and dying. But 27 percent say they are uncomfortable talking about death. And 31 percent feel uncomfortable just thinking about their own mortality, the survey says.
Most of us would prefer cremation to burial
The survey was conducted in May for the National Funeral Directors Association and breaks down the generations by age as follows:
- Generation Z: 18-27
- Millennials: 28-43
- Generation X: 44-59
- Boomers: 60-78
- Post-Boomers: 79 and older
Many of us like to talk about death…
… but about a third of us find it less easy to talk about our own
Why don’t we talk about death?
When we talk about death, who are we talking to?
What life expectancy can we expect?
For Americans who don’t like to think about their own mortality, it may be some small consolation to know that our life expectancy has increased slightly, according to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Those born in the United States in 2022 will have an average life expectancy of 77.5 years, according to the CDC report released in March. This is an increase from 76.4 years in 2021.
The change reverses a decline in life expectancy in America that began in 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: USA TODAY Network reporting and research; National Funeral Directors Association, 2024 Gen Z Consumer Survey; Reuters; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Trans woman goes on hunger strike after state moves her to men’s prison
Shane van Gisbergen remains flawless in Chicago with victory in the Xfinity Series
Frankie Fidler says he is “perfect for Michigan State basketball”
About The Author
