Dying is a 'happier' experience than most people imagine, say scientists

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. A recent YouGov survey found 68 per cent of people in Britain fear death – but according to the authors of new study, dying is “less sad and terrifying – and happier – than you think”. “In our imagination, dying is lonely and meaningless, but the final blog posts of terminally ill patients and the last words of death row inmates are filled with love, social connection, and meaning.” Funeral Director explains how 'Big Death' corporations dominate the funeral industry The patients in the study had terminal cancer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, while the prisoners were facing a death sentence in Texas, with their testimonies collected by the US Department of Justice. Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia is the leading cause of death in England and Wales, claiming more than 61,000 lives – 11.6 per cent of recorded deaths. Coronary heart disease – the number one cause of death worldwide – was responsible for 11.5 per cent of deaths registered in 2015 and is still the leading cause of death for men.