BJ Miller: What really matters at the end of life

The speaker shares a personal story of a life-changing accident and critiques the healthcare system's focus on diseases rather than people. They advocate for design thinking in end-of-life care, emphasizing the importance of perspective, personal growth, and sensory experiences. The talk highlights the need to redesign life and death with creativity and play, aiming for a more human-centered approach to healthcare.

What event led the speaker to begin a formal relationship with death?

• A plane crash

• A hiking accident

• Climbing a commuter train

• A car accident

What is a key distinction the speaker makes about death?

• The difference between life and death

• The difference between dying and suffering

• The difference between fear and courage

• The difference between health and illness

What is the primary focus of palliative care?

• Providing comfort and living well

• Curing diseases

• Reducing healthcare costs

• Extending life at all costs

What did Frank decide to do despite his health risks?

• Run a marathon

• Travel to Europe

• Raft down the Colorado River

• Climb a mountain

What is a common experience in hospitals that the speaker criticizes?

• The abundance of natural light

• The sterile and impersonal environment

• The presence of family members

• The availability of gourmet meals

What simple ritual does the Zen Hospice Project perform when a resident dies?

• Lighting candles

• Singing hymns

• Sprinkling flower petals

• Releasing doves

What does the speaker suggest is necessary for a more humane healthcare system?

• More advanced technology

• Increased hospital funding

• Stricter regulations

• A focus on well-being and creativity

What does the speaker believe can be created from the fact that dying is a part of life?

• A method to extend life indefinitely

• A way to avoid death

• A creative and meaningful experience

• A new form of entertainment

What does the speaker emphasize as important for people living with dementia?

• Primal, sensorial delight

• Isolation from others

• Advanced medical treatments

• Strict routines

What does the speaker suggest is the ultimate goal of healthcare?

• To reduce healthcare costs

• To extend life indefinitely

• To make life more wonderful

• To eliminate all diseases