GEN Z ARE REVERSING DECADES OF FUNERAL PREFERENCES

There is no shortage of social commentary on how Gen Z is redefining norms and challenging older generations to think differently, from fashion to workplace culture. But what about their perspective on death and dying?

In a recent survey conducted by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) they offer definitive data to show how Gen Z thinks differently about end-of-life matters for themselves and their loved ones - as well as similarities with older generations.

Although the survey was conducted in the US, it provides an interesting perspective on Gen Z and potential implications for the funeral industry, including Australia.

According to the NFDA survey findings, notable differences between generations highlight Gen Z's unique perspective, even compared to Millennials who are the closest in age, as highlighted below.

• Final form of disposition: Over the past several years, the cremation rate has increased steadily (60.5% in 2023) and the trend is forecasted to grow to 81.4% by 2045 (Source: NFDA 2023 Cremation and Burial Report). While cremation is still a top preference for Baby Boomers (66%), Gen X (50%) and Millennials (42%), Gen Z stands alone with traditional burial as their top preference (37%).
• Talking about death: Nine in ten (91%) Americans believe talking about death and dying is healthy and normal. However, among the four generations, Gen Z (18%) is significantly more likely than older adults to disagree, believing it is not healthy and normal - bucking the generation's reputation as open and willing to discuss difficult and controversial topics.

Other notable survey insights include:

• Importance of Funerals: 68% of Gen Z strongly agree it is important to commemorate the life of a loved one with a funeral or memorial service compared to 44% of Baby Boomers.
• Role of Funeral Director: While many adults have positive opinions about funeral directors, younger generations including Gen Z and Millennials are even more likely than Baby Boomers to think of funeral directors as important, valuable, experts in relevant products and services and trustworthy.
• Comfort with Death: Two in three adults (69%) are very or somewhat comfortable thinking about their own eventual death and seven in ten (73%) are very or somewhat comfortable talking with others about death. More Baby Boomers (33%) are very comfortable thinking about their immortality than Gen Z (24%) and Millennials (28%), while Millennials (71%), Gen X (72%), and Baby Boomers (77%) are more comfortable than Gen Z (63%) when talking about death.

Peter Erceg, Owner and Founder of eziFunerals says 'NFDA's survey not only revealed new generational trends and end-of-life preferences, but also highlighted a need for all generations to find healthy ways to discuss death and their funeral plans with friends and family'. 

eziFunerals is leading the way with useful funeral planning tools, guides and resources to help families navigate the complex task of organising a funeral. 

'We are committed to setting a standard for end-of-life and funeral concierge services that work on your behalf. Our sole purpose is to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions to plan a good goodbye and then put those wishes into action' says Erceg.

About EziFunerals:

eziFunerals supports individuals and families coping with end-of-life decisions, death and funerals. We are an independent, Australian-owned and operated company. We are not part of any other funeral company.

Our member Funeral Directors are chosen for their knowledge, quality, service, personalisation and experience. They go above and beyond and will take the time to support the family.

For more information or to make contact with a trusted Independent funeral director, call eziFunerals on 1300 236 402 or visit www.ezifunerals.com.au.