Transcript Mexico on Death and Dying

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: 76.06 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
http://current.com/items/89014824_dia-de-losmuertos-day-of-the-dead-the-road-tomictlan.htm
In the Clip . . .
• Shows very detailed descriptions regarding
Day of the Dead.
• November 1st is All Saints Day – Children
return
• November 2nd 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