Why has cremation and scattering at sea become so popular?

Also see "Benefits"

Many consumers are now choosing cremation as a choice when making funeral arrangements. There is a significant rise in the U.S. population making this choice. Why? A recent study provided by CANA gives these reasons:

Eight Key Trends Affecting Cremation:

• People are dying older.
  (Male: 73.3 years, female: 79.6 years; based on 1990 census.)
• Migration to retirement locations is increasing.
• Cremation is becoming more acceptable as a normal form of disposition.
• Environmental considerations are becoming more important.
• Level of education is rising.
• Ties to tradition are becoming weaker.
• Regional differences are diminishing.
• Origin of immigrants is changing.

Primary Reasons for Choosing Cremation:

(source: 1995 Wirthlin Report)

• Less expensive (25%)
• Uses less land/environmental considerations (17%)
• Simpler (13%)
• Body not in earth (11%)
• Less emotional (3%)
• Ashes can be strewn (3%)
• Religion (1%)
• Don’t know (7%)

(source: 1984 Project Understanding)

• Preference of the deceased
• Simpler
• Lower cost
• Environmental considerations

Also see "Benefits of cremation and scattering at sea."

Courtesy of Cremation Association of North America - www.cremationassociation.org.