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Are You Ready To Die?

Airman 1st Class Rachel Loftis
/
U.S. Air Force Photo

One of the certainties of life is death, so we might as well plan for it. 

Although medical advancements have improved health and wellness, extended lifespans have complicated decisions around end-of-life care while also giving individuals options about the way they prefer to die. 

Still, only 36 percent of U.S. adults have completed an advanced directive for end-of-life care, according to the peer-reviewed journal "Health Affairs."

The scenario is not uncommon: Through generations, many families have been divided after a loved one's illness or passing because no arrangements were made in advance or there is no will for the estate. 

Cultural differences and trends also make starting a dialogue about death more complex. The emerging "death-positive movement" attempts to change the stigma by taking the shame and fear away from mortality.

Why is there so much reluctance to talk about this inevitable part of human existence? What do we need to do before we die – legally, medically, and for our loved ones? 

Guests: 

This is a community conversation and we want to hear from you. Leave a voicemail with your questions and comments in advance by calling 210-615-8982. During the live show (12-1 p.m.), call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.

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Jan Ross Piedad Sakian is TPR’s News Operations Producer. In this role, she develops strategy on collaborative and digital initiatives for the station. Since 2016, Jan Ross has served in a coordinating capacity for TPR’s state and national partners, including The Texas Newsroom.