Scientists explain the rise in mood of dying people before death

Why are some people happy when they die?

Simon Boas, who wrote a candid account of living with cancer, died in July at the age of 47. In a recent interview with the BBC, a former aid worker told a reporter: «My pain is under control and I'm extremely happy — it sounds strange, but I'm the happiest I've ever been in my life.»

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It may seem strange that a person is happy when the end of his life is approaching, but clinical psychologists point out that that this is not so uncommon.

There is quite a lot of research indicating that the fear of death is in the subconscious center of human existence. American philosopher William James called the realization that people must die the “worm at the heart” of human existence.

But a study published in the journal Psychological Science shows that people approaching death use more positive language to describe their experience than those who simply imagine dying. This suggests, scientists say, that the death process is at least no worse than the dying person could imagine.

In an interview with the BBC, Boas shared some thoughts that helped him accept the current situation . He mentioned the importance of enjoying life and prioritizing meaningful experiences, suggesting that awareness of death can enhance our appreciation of life.

Despite the pain and difficulties, Boas seemed cheerful, hoping that his attitude would support his wife and parents in the difficult times ahead.

Boas’s words echo the words of the Roman philosopher Seneca, who advised: “Whether we live long enough depends not on our years or our days, but on our minds.” .

Two recent studies asked people approaching death what they consider happiness to be. Common themes in both analyzes were the enjoyment of simple pleasures such as being in nature, a positive outlook, and a general shift in emphasis from seeking pleasure to seeking meaning and fulfillment as the disease progresses.