Resources - Mature Market Headlines

Baby Boomers to Inject New Life into Funeral Industry

Reuters, 10/5/09

Abstract:

Jennifer Austin Leigh, a 51-year-old psychologist from New York, is planning a big party with her favorite music -- the Beatles and Prince, among others.

However, it's not for some birthday or anniversary, but rather for her own funeral -- an event she hopes is far in the future.

"I want a really big celebration. I don't want a traditional church service with people sitting around, looking at the casket and sobbing," Leigh said. She has already set aside money for her last rites and plans to approach a funeral operator soon.

"It's important to take that burden (arranging the funeral) off your children," she added.

As baby boomers like Leigh choose unique ways to bid their final goodbyes, the funeral industry is set to see increased demand for pre-arranged funeral services and a flurry of consolidation activity in the coming years.

> Read the full story > Return to 50+ Headlines