In the U.S., approximately 53 million individuals serve as unpaid caregivers, spending over 20 hours weekly on average (MediaRoom) (RespectCareGivers). This number is expected to rise as the Baby Boomer generation ages. By 2034, adults aged 65 and older will outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history (MediaRoom). This demographic shift will strain […]
“Live a life without regret.” This phrase holds deep wisdom. Many chase grand adventures, material success, or public recognition, hoping to avoid regrets. Yet, a life well-lived is not solely defined by such milestones. It’s the daily moments—the ups and downs, failures and successes—that shape our lives and give them depth, leaving a legacy for […]
Death is often a taboo subject in many modern societies. We focus our lives on living well and achieving personal success, while death is quietly avoided, creating an uneasy relationship with the inevitable. In reality, while we now live healthier and longer than many of our ancestors or even royalty from a century ago, we […]
I often reflect on my first hospice volunteering experience with Janet (not her real name). When I first met her, she was frail, non-verbal, confused, and scared. It was easy to label her simply as a “dying person,” but over time, I learned how much more she was. In our subsequent visits, through her and […]
Before meeting my first hospice patient as a volunteer, I felt nervous and uncertain about how I would react. Despite years of studying end of life care at home and my deep interest in conscious dying, I knew that no amount of academic preparation could fully equip me for the experience of being with someone […]
