Earlier this month, National Geographic released a video about older New Zealanders (Kiwis) who join “coffin clubs” to plan their funerals. Coffin clubs allow them to bring their personality to their funerals. And, they have fun in the process.
In the video below, the Kiwi coffin club members tell their story through song and dance. They have a workshop where they build their own affordable coffins with love … and drink tea. When the coffins are finished, they use them for storage or spare seating.
As the club members say, “They never knew how awesome death could be.” The culture in New Zealand is very different from the US, where planning ahead for end of life is generally not the norm. Too many Americans do not complete a health care proxy or a living will.
You can learn more about what to do after someone you love dies and planning a funeral from Just Care here. You can learn about planning for end-of-life care here. You can watch the Kiwi video here:
Here’s more from Just Care:
- Three things to consider about end-of-life care
- Talking to your kids about your stuff
- Five steps to get your affairs in order in case of emergency
- What to do after someone you love dies
- Your 2018 Social Security benefits should rise, but your checks may not
