Death Doula

There is a free, online magazine called Next Avenue that I love to read. It always has interesting articles that are well-written and timely. This magazine is from “PBS stations that inspire America’s 50+ generation to live the most vibrant and meaningful life possible.”

The article I read today was completely surprising. It is about 80-year-old journalist Erica Manfred who lives alone and has stage 4 lung cancer. She has hired a “Death Doula” to help her navigate the complexities of death and dying.

So...first of all...who ever heard of a Death Doula? Not me!

Second...I won’t write a “second of all” because the article speaks for itself. Here is a link to Next Avenue’s Death Doula article. It’s fascinating. And the whole idea seems pretty smart to me. I’m keeping this one in my back pocket for future reference.

https://www.nextavenue.org/solo-ager-hired-a-death-doula/

P.S. There is an International End of Life Association. Who knew?! https://inelda.org/