麻豆社

Death is inevitable, though many of us would rather not dwell on it. For those with a terminal illness, however, the end of life is clearly a more pressing reality.

CrowdScience listener Sam has known for a while that her illness is terminal, and by now she鈥檚 got used to the idea. But she finds many friends and family would rather avoid the subject at all costs; they don鈥檛 want to acknowledge what鈥檚 happening until it鈥檚 all over. She鈥檚 wondering if there鈥檚 a way to lighten up the topic of her approaching death, and create the openness she craves.

If we could learn to be more accepting of illness and dying, the end of life could be a more positive experience for all involved. So how can we face up to the impending death of a loved one, and best support that person in the process?
In search of answers, we talk a clinical psychologist about death anxiety, visit a death caf茅, and learn about a scheme in India where whole communities are trained in caring for people at the end of life.

With Dr Rachel Menzies, Abigail Griffin, Dr Suresh Kumar and Rebecca Nellis. Thanks to Lola, Juan, Leon, Qayyah, Bessy, Madhumita, Ashley, Amaru, Mila and Sheila.

Presented by Caroline Steel
Produced by Cathy Edwards for the 麻豆社 World Service

[Image: A woman sitting next to her sister who has cancer. She is wearing a headscarf. Credit: Getty Images]