Let’s Talk About…..Whaaaat?

Let’s talk about….

…death.  Death is often considered a taboo topic, or one that people hesitate to speak about for fear of making others uncomfortable. But death is one of the few universal truths and having a place to talk about one’s thoughts, questions, fears, and feelings surrounding death can bring a sense of relief as well as a connection with others. 

Enter the Death Cafe

Death Cafés are a simple concept, to bring strangers together in a safe space to have these conversations, and its rapidly becoming a popular trend.  This year, Senior Planet started its very own Death Café, which meets on Zoom the first Thursday of every month at 3pm ET. The discussion group is hosted by professional death doula, and former Senior Planet staff member, Breana Clark.  

“Unfortunately, there are few spaces where individuals can openly share their beliefs and fears about death,” says Breana. “Many of us carry significant anxiety around this topic. This is why a Death Café is so vital—it provides a dedicated space for people to share their thoughts or simply listen in a supportive community.” 

“This discussion group is life-confirming for me,” says Malcolm Spitalnick, a regular attendee. “We all know people who won’t/can’t talk about this inevitable thing that’s coming to us all. They can’t even speak the word! Death Café and Breana allow me to open up and share feelings, thoughts, and ideas about this easily avoided subject.” 

“My primary hope is that attending a Death Café helps someone feel less alone in their grief, hopes, curiosities, and fears. While we are all unique, it’s clear that we share much in common when discussing death,” continues Breana. “Though these conversations may evoke unexpected emotions, participants are often surprised by the laughter and healthy dose of dark humor that emerge. After all, how we live is intimately connected to how we die, opening up a spectrum of feelings where nothing is off the table.” 

“At Senior Planet, the vibrant diversity of attendees fosters a rich exchange of perspectives, making each session both inspiring and educational.” 

So why is called a Death Café? Because these conversations are typically hosted over food and drink, usually tea and cake. So grab a sweet treat and join Senior Planet for an open and honest conversation about death.  

The next Death Café will be held on December 5th at 3pm ET. Join here!

Deirdre Lee serves as Director of Virtual Program Experiences for Senior Planet from AARP (formerly managing the organization’s licensing program). Based in Denver, she oversees Senior Planet’s online programs as well as the free hotline for tech or Senior Planet questions (available at 888-713-3495). 

Photo: pixdeluxe via Getty Images