Death cafes: Where people can talk about death openly

The frank discussions at death cafes have helped attendees want to nurture meaningful relationships and cherish every moment with their loved ones. Photo: 123rf.com

At the death cafes she organises, Catherine Ooi hopes to help people make the most of their lives. The death positivity advocate – someone who helps people come to terms with death instead of fearing it – believes that being able to talk openly about the end of life will allow people to lead more fulfilling lives.

“Because death is seen as a taboo topic that society doesn't talk about, people don't have the chance to come to terms with their mortality and, as a result, they may not pass on well, ” says Ooi, 40, who works with a hospice in Malaysia.