Dream Departures: Survey Explores Americans’ (Alternative) Ideal Ways to Spend Their Last Moments

We recently surveyed Americans to discover their ideal ways to spend their last moments. From peaceful activities like gardening to thrilling experiences like cheering at a sports game, the results reveal surprising and unique preferences. The fascinating findings are outlined below.

Updated 10-02-24

2 minute read

Updated 10-02-24 Updated on October 02, 2024

2 minute read

Key Takeaways

People envision a wide variety of end-of-life experiences, from peaceful nature escapes to high-energy activities, which reflect personal passions and lifestyles.
Cultural influences shape preferences; Georgians, for example, want to toast with a Peach Martini, Louisianans wish to celebrate at Mardi Gras, and Nevadans prefer to embrace the thrill of Las Vegas casinos.
Many people would prefer to listen to music to set the mood for their final moments, with Green Day’s “Time of Your Life,” Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and The Beatles’ “Let It Be” being the top choices.
50% of respondents want to be surrounded by family and friends, while 13% prefer their pets.
A big party is the most popular posthumous celebration, with other respondents opting for quieter or symbolic events like tree-planting ceremonies to honor their lives.

Findings By State

As shown in the illustration below, the results on a state-by-state basis were fascinating.

Key Insights

We noticed some interesting trends and patterns when analyzing the results.

Embracing nature

A significant trend across multiple states is the preference for spending final moments surrounded by nature.

Whether hiking in Alaska, leaf peeping in New England, stargazing in Colorado, or watching the sunset in Arizona, many Americans are drawn to natural beauty as their ultimate place of peace and reflection.

This highlights a deep-rooted connection to the outdoors and a desire to find tranquility in the simplicity and grandeur of the natural world.

Regional flavors and traditions

From drinking a Georgia Peach Martini to eating kalua pig in Hawaii or indulging in Maine lobster, many states show a preference for celebrating with foods and drinks that are iconic to their regions.

This suggests that people find comfort and identity in their local culture and flavors, choosing a farewell that reflects the essence of where they come from.

Celebrating life through shared experiences

The desire to share final moments with loved ones is evident in choices like watching college football in Alabama, partying at Mardi Gras in Louisiana, or enjoying a communal crab feast in Maryland.

This indicates that many Americans value community and shared joy as central to their ideal farewell, highlighting the importance of social bonds and collective experiences.

Seeking adventure and thrill

For some, the ideal departure is one filled with excitement and adrenaline.

Skydiving in Utah, gambling in Nevada, or white-water rafting in West Virginia are all bold choices that reflect a desire to go out with a sense of adventure.

A reflective and peaceful farewell

On the other end of the spectrum, many Americans prefer a quiet, contemplative setting for their final moments.

Gardening in Connecticut, watching the stars in Montana, or relaxing in a cozy mountain cabin in Vermont reflects a desire for serenity and reflection, highlighting the value placed on inner peace and quiet contemplation.

Sports as a cultural pillar

College football and other sports appear as a popular final activity across several states like Alabama, Ohio, and Nebraska.

This underscores the role of sports as a cultural touchstone in American life, symbolizing not just competition but community, tradition, and shared identity.

A toast to life

Drinks play a significant role in how people envision their last moments, whether sipping Tennessee whiskey, enjoying bourbon in Kentucky, or drinking in a New Jersey bar. For many, a final toast is a way to celebrate life’s pleasures and offer a symbolic farewell, reflecting on good times and shared memories.

Food as a final comfort

Several respondents preferred a meal encapsulating their state’s identity, such as a New York bagel, a Philly cheesesteak, or a green chili cheeseburger in New Mexico.

This suggests that comfort food is more than just sustenance; it’s a source of nostalgia and personal identity, providing a comforting, familiar farewell.

Starry skies and spiritual reflections

A notable number of respondents chose stargazing in locations like Great Sand Dunes National Park and Glacier National Park, indicating a preference for a cosmic, spiritual connection.

Water as a source of calm and connection

From sailing in Michigan’s Les Cheneaux Islands to enjoying water-based activities at Lake Ouachita, being near water is a common choice for final moments.

This highlights water’s calming, almost meditative effect and its ability to provide a sense of continuity and flow, making it a preferred setting for reflecting on life’s journey.

Overall, the survey reveals that Americans’ ideal ways to spend their last moments are as diverse as the country itself.

Whether seeking peace, excitement, tradition, or shared joy, people’s choices are deeply tied to their personal values, regional identities, and what they hold most dear.

Methodology

An online panel survey of 3,000 respondents was conducted based on age, gender, and geography. Internal data sources are used to obtain population data sets. We used a two-step process to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting.