And although the data is sparse, here is even more evidence of how opinion is changing…
Published November 09, 2007 by Lonnette Harrell

Nontraditional Funerals for Baby Boomers: New Trends in Funeral and Burial Services
Baby Boomers have never followed tradition, and planning their funerals is no exception. Those born between 1946 and1964, a time when birth rates increased dramatically, have always wanted to do things their way. Funeral directors are anticipating, with a bit of macabre excitement, the exit of a giant generation. Because of declining death rates, the funeral industry has suffered.

Longer life spans have certainly put a damper on death revenue. But at some point, the Baby Boomer generation will have a large impact on the death care business. And make no bones about it (pun intended) the death care and funeral industry is big business. Very big business. The Baby Boomer generation includes 78 million Americans, and represents 29.4% of the total U.S. population, according to the U. S. Census Bureau.

Just as they lived their lives somewhat off the beaten path, Boomers are also not going to be happy with “cookie cutter” funerals. They are desiring customized funeral arrangements, with personalized touches. (This is not your grandma’s funeral.)

Many family members and friends are now replacing clergy as the main speakers at funeral services. When selecting caskets, family members may choose to add The Memory Safe Drawer, where families can place notes, special mementos, or the TV remote. (No kidding.) As Joseph P. Kahn, of the Boston Globe, wrote in an article, “Taking the Grim Out of Reaper”, Boomers will be literally “thinking outside the box.” He writes “It is highly unlikely that they (Boomers) will go quietly-or conventionally- when their time comes.”

Hang onto your seat belts America, because you will need them…

The idea of a Celebration of Life to honor the memory of a life well lived is growing in popularity. That’s a fact. But how many people and families even know that there is an alternative to the traditional funeral of our parents and grandparents?

Today I spent AN ENTIRE day attending Jarrett Gucci and Josh Grillo’s boxedweb.biz workshop to learn everything I need to know to create a web page and blog site that will help me introduce information and ideas about Celebrations of Life and Memorial Tribute events. Wow do I have a lot to share.

It will be a slow (if not remedial) start but have no fear; once I get my wind there will be no stopping me — we all have so much to learn! January 1, 2011 marked the beginning of the Golden Boomer Age — that is to say the first Baby Boomer (born 1/1/1946) turned 65.

We have a long way to go before the last Baby Boomer (born 12/31/1964) celebrates his and her 65th birthday.