Why is cremation becoming so popular?

In recent years, cremation has become increasingly popular to handle the remains of loved ones who have passed away. There are many reasons for this trend, ranging from personal and cultural preferences to financial considerations. One of the driving factors behind the rise in cremation rates is the high cost of traditional burial services, which can be a burden for many families. As a result, more and more people are turning to personal loans for funeral expenses and choosing cremation as a more affordable option.

These loans have become more widely available in recent years as lenders recognize the growing need for financial assistance during difficult times. They can be used to cover a range of expenses associated with funeral services, including cremation fees, urns, and other memorial items. Handling arrangements after a loved one passes is never going to be easy, but it shouldn’t create financial difficulties at the same time.

Cremation stats

In 1960, the national average in the U.S. for cremation was just 3.56%. Compare that to 2021, where the cremation rate was 57.5%. These numbers are expected to increase to 64.1% by 2025. If you think these numbers are high, look up north to our neighbors in Canada. In 2021, they had a cremation rate of 74.8% and it’s expected to rise to 81.8% by 2025. Keep in mind that Canada has significantly less deaths than the U.S., though. The U.S. had over 10 times the amount of deaths in 2021, so it’s difficult to say if these trends would hold if Canada was on the same scale. However, it’s clear that Canadians have adopted cremation as the primary technique for parting with loved ones.

Why we might be seeing this trend

Financial considerations are not the only reason why cremation is becoming more popular. For many people, choosing cremation over traditional burial is a matter of personal preference or cultural tradition. In some cultures, cremation has been a common practice for centuries, while in others, it is a more recent trend that reflects changing attitudes toward death and mourning.

Another factor contributing to the rise in cremation rates is the increasing focus on environmental sustainability. Traditional burial practices often involve the use of embalming chemicals and non-biodegradable materials, which can harm the environment. Cremation, on the other hand, is generally considered a more eco-friendly option, as it does not involve the use of harmful chemicals, and the ashes can be scattered in a variety of natural settings. This could also be therapeutic for loved ones to be able to scatter ashes somewhere the person loved.

Of course, there are also some who choose cremation simply because it feels like the right choice for them and their loved ones. Whether it is for personal, cultural, financial, or environmental reasons, the decision to choose cremation is a deeply personal one that should be made with care and consideration.

 Bottom Line

Cremation is becoming an increasingly popular option for families who are looking for a more affordable, eco-friendly, or culturally appropriate way to handle the remains of their loved ones. With the availability of personal loans for funeral expenses, families can ensure that they can provide a respectful and dignified final farewell without incurring excessive debt. Ultimately, the decision to choose cremation or traditional burial is a deeply personal one that should be based on a range of factors, including financial considerations, cultural traditions, personal beliefs, and environmental values.