This book is about how, when, and why our dead visit us. Allan Kellehear-a medical sociologist and expert on death, dying, and palliative care-has gathered data and conducted studies on deathbed visions across cultures.
Focusing on death, aging, and public health, this groundbreaking text offers a radical perspective that challenges conventional views. Authored by a leading academic, it serves as essential reading for professionals and students in these fields, providing innovative insights and thought-provoking discussions that are crucial for understanding contemporary issues surrounding mortality and health.
Exploring the complexities surrounding mortality, this book delves into the social, cultural, and historical factors that influence how we perceive and confront death. It addresses the challenges individuals and societies face regarding dying, providing insights into the evolution of attitudes towards death and the implications for healthcare and personal choices. Through a comprehensive analysis, it invites readers to reflect on their own views of mortality and the societal norms that shape them.
The book features 40 short reflections that explore the themes of death and loss. The first half is tailored for individuals facing life-threatening illnesses, offering insights and comfort. The latter half focuses on navigating grief and bereavement, providing support for those coping with the loss of loved ones. Each reflection encourages readers to confront their emotions and find solace in shared experiences.
Exploring the concept of community health, this book envisions a society where the well-being of members encompasses not only physical health but also emotional and social aspects related to death and loss. It emphasizes the need for inclusive frameworks that address end-of-life experiences, particularly for vulnerable populations such as those affected by dementia, sexual abuse, or displacement. By extending the World Health Organization's "Healthy Cities" initiative, it advocates for a compassionate approach that integrates empathy and support into health promotion strategies.
The Inner Life of the Person Dying recounts the experience of facing one's death solely from the dying person's perspective, showing that-along with suffering, loss, anger, sadness, and fear-we can also feel courage, love, hope, transcendence, transformation, and even happiness as we die.