Mexico on Death and Dying GERN 474 – Global Aging and Diversity Maria Claver & Casey Goeller Alma Madrid, Lisa Medrano, Kim-Anh Pham, Michelle Prado, Lorrie Russell

Death and Dying in Mexico Total population: years Life expectancy – Males: 73.25; Females: 79

Death and Dying in Mexico Two fold event 1.Person passing 2.Dia De Los Muertos

Euthanasia in Mexico Practices passive euthanasia instead of active. Allows for terminally ill patients to refuse medication or medical support.

Mexico Funeral Rituals Largely follow Catholic funeral rituals 89% of population is Catholic after Spanish Rule

Rituals Consist of... The Vigil – considered the wake. Funeral Mass – the Eucharist is celebrated. The Rite of Committal – follows the Funeral Mass usually at the cemetery. Burial - is usually preferred but the Church does not object to cremation.

Dia De Los Muertos – Day of the Dead The Road to Mictlan muertos-day-of-the-dead-the-road-to- mictlan.htm

In the Clip... Shows very detailed descriptions regarding Day of the Dead. November 1 st is All Saints Day – Children return November 2 nd is All Souls Day – Adults return

In the Clip... Very important to recognize that it is a celebration of the dead and not death. Not a time for sorrow or tears … rather for celebrating, remembering & paying respect to those who have passed away. Is celebrated in New Zealand, Philippines, Brazil, Mexico & United States.

Notice... Alters set up in home or at Cemetery. Bright orange flowers, incense, bread to nourish, tequila, candles, angels, crosses, skeleton figures or sugar skeletons, and pictures of the dead are used

Notice... Celebration includes: music, food, dancing, Mariachi and Aztec dancers perform with face painted as skulls.

In Conclusion… Talking about death is still taboo As Gerontologists we should embrace all cultures and their beliefs