A survey of over 1,500 individuals has revealed significant shifts in burial preferences in the United States. Traditionally, traditional burials involving caskets in cemeteries were the norm. However, times have changed, and here's how America wants to be buried in 2020:
- Cremation Dominates: Today, cremation has taken the lead, with 44% of Americans opting for this method, compared to only 4% in the 1960s.
- Diverse Choices: Alongside cremation and traditional burial (chosen by 35%), 21% of respondents had different plans, including donating their bodies to science, natural burials, or unique options like plastination, space burials, or Viking send-offs.
- Creative Uses of Ashes: For those choosing cremation, what to do with the ashes has become more creative. Options include turning them into art, a coral reef, a diamond, or even a vinyl record. Such alternatives reflect changing attitudes toward memorialization.
- Factors Influencing Choices: Personal beliefs (47%) and family traditions (24%) play pivotal roles in burial decisions, while financial, religious, or other considerations also come into play. Notably, 30% of respondents would opt for different burial plans without these factors.
- Taking Possessions: Many respondents expressed a desire to be buried with personal items, including photos, pet remains, family heirlooms, and even Chuck Norris T-Shirts or cannabis.
- Alternative Burial Methods: Several unconventional burial methods are gaining popularity. These include mummification, natural burial, cryonics, alkaline hydrolysis, plastination, sea burials, and donating to science. Costs for these alternatives vary widely.
- Creative Uses of Cremains: Creative alternatives for cremation ashes include turning them into diamonds, coral reefs, paintings, printed portraits, fireworks, vinyl records, glass art, planted trees, or even launching them into space.
- Unavailable Options: Some ancient and new burial methods, such as Viking burials, sky burials, and promession, aren't available in the United States due to legal or developmental constraints.
In the end, the choice of burial method is a deeply personal decision, influenced by individual beliefs, traditions, and personal preferences. Regardless of one's preference, financial planning is crucial to ensure that the chosen burial method is attainable without placing a financial burden on loved ones. Options for preplanning with a funeral home, savings accounts, or life insurance policies are available to help prepare for end-of-life expenses.
Source: Choice Mutual
Photo: Getty Images