MedCure Survey Reveals Views on Mortality and After-Life Wishes

PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- MedCure, a leading non-transplant tissue bank accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks, today announced findings of the MedCure Mortality Survey. More than 1,600 respondents answered questions ranging from views on mortality and the afterlife to what they want to have happen to their bodies after death, revealing that millennials and baby boomers are twice as likely as Gen X to donate their body to science, and women are more likely than men to be afraid of the afterlife.

"U.S. mortality improvements are falling behind other high-income countries," stated Heidi Kayser, director of donor education and outreach at MedCure. "Additionally, people have more choices today than ever before when it comes to the disposition of their remains, making this survey particularly timely."

The survey uncovered respondents' perspectives on the disposition of their bodies after death. Notably, millennials are:  

• 19 percent less likely than Gen X to opt for cremation alone
• 16 percent less likely than baby boomers to talk to their family about their afterlife wishes
• Along with baby boomers, twice as likely as Gen Xers to donate their body to science with cremation

"With life expectancy increasing globally, scientists are seeking ways to improve people's health and quality of life as they age. Access to anatomical specimens is critical to enable education, training and research to achieve this goal," noted Kayser. "Whole body donation is a viable option, and we've seen a 30 percent annual increase in the number of people leaving a lasting legacy by pre-signing to donate their body to science."

Gender differences revealed in the survey show that women are:

• 10 percent more likely than men to believe in the afterlife
• 12 percent more likely to be somewhat afraid or terrified of the afterlife
• 10 percent more likely to speak to others about their wishes for their body after they have passed
• 12 percent more likely to be registered organ donors

"Everything doctors know about human physiology was learned by studying human bodies, and medical communities depend on the selflessness of donors to improve the health and lives of others," added Kayser. "Much as organ donation has become a 'norm,' we are normalizing whole body donation—particularly for those ineligible to donate their organs."

To speak with the MedCure team about survey findings, contact [email protected].  

About MedCure

MedCure helps those who choose to leave a lasting legacy at the end of their lives. With compassion, respect, a commitment to the highest ethical standards and the utmost regard for safety, MedCure facilitates whole body donations for medical research and education. An AATB-accredited, non-transplant tissue bank, MedCure provides state of the art lab and training facilities, and supplies anatomical specimens to medical and scientific professionals, enabling the hands-on experience necessary to advance healthcare and ensure patient safety.

SOURCE MedCure

Related Links

http://medcure.org