“Death Cafes – New Opportunities to Communicate and Ask Questions”

I was recently introduced to “Death Cafes” while reading a Nextavenue blog. And, while I was thrilled to see the efforts to communicate on the subject – a subject I try to address with people in my own work as an Elder Law attorney all the time – I was put off at first by the name they gave the forum. Upon further reflection, however, I suppose anything less straightforward would be a deliberate (and needless) obfuscation of the whole point – a get together for people who, along with others interested in the same subject, would like to discuss, address, explore, ask questions, and share their experiences and fears about death in an environment that is both conducive and welcoming. Below is the link to the entry by which I first discovered Death Cafes:

http://www.nextavenue.org/blog/death-cafes-straight-talk-about-lifes-end?utm_campaign=March.06.2014.Newsletter_NA&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

As an attorney who addresses this issue with my clients, I am pleased to know there are casual, local events and online opportunities for people to share and ask questions. I have always been painfully aware of how many people would rather eat a plate of their least favorite vegetable than discuss the subject. Although I’m happy to discuss death with my clients and encourage open communication with loved ones on the subject, some people are clearly more interested and more willing to discuss death rather casually over a cup of coffee or glass of wine along with others who share their interest. Once a conversation begins, it often greatly reduces any discomfort. As always, however, the trick is to talk about it at the right time with the right people. I think that’s exactly what Death Cafes are trying to create.  I’m in favor of whatever gets people to address openly what we know will happen to all of us!

It appears from looking into the Death Café effort a little more, that one can use a website (Deathcafe.com) to find local meetings, and even host your own event. When I visited the site, I noticed that a Saint Paul Death Café took place in February and another in Minneapolis that may or may not have already happened.  There are also opportunities for online conversations.

Here’s a link to Deathcafe.com for more information directly from the source and information about local activity and events.

http://deathcafe.com/