The top 10 most asked questions about death (and their answers)

1. Why do we die?

Death is a natural consequence of biological ageing. Our cells divide a limited number of times, a phenomenon called the Hayflick limit. With each division, telomeres (the ends of chromosomes) shorten until the cell can no longer reproduce.

Over time, our vital organs lose their capacity for regeneration. The heart, lungs, brain and kidneys accumulate dysfunctions. When these organs can no longer perform their essential functions, the body ceases to function.

Other factors accelerate this process: diseases, accidents, serious infections. But even in the absence of pathology, the human body has a lifespan limited by its biology. Death is an integral part of the cycle of life.

2. What happens in the body after death?

As soon as the heart stops, blood ceases to circulate and cells no longer receive oxygen. The brain dies within a few minutes, followed progressively by the other organs. Body temperature drops by approximately 1°C per hour.

Within 2 to 6 hours following death, rigor mortis sets in: the muscles contract and stiffen. This phenomenon reaches its maximum after 12 hours, then gradually disappears.

At the same time, decomposition begins. Intestinal bacteria spread throughout the body, causing changes in colour and texture. This natural process varies according to ambient temperature and other environmental factors.

These biological transformations explain why families must make decisions quickly regarding the preservation of the body and the organisation of the funeral.

3. Is there life after death?

This universal question receives very different answers depending on each person's beliefs. No scientific evidence confirms or refutes the existence of life after death.

Major religions offer various visions: Christianity speaks of heaven and hell, Islam describes the final judgement, Buddhism and Hinduism speak of reincarnation. Judaism offers several interpretations, from resurrection to the survival of the soul.

Some materialist philosophies consider that consciousness disappears with the brain. Other spiritual traditions believe in an energy or essence that persists.

To explore this subject further, consult our article on the perception of death in major religions and philosophies.

4. How is an autopsy performed?

An autopsy is a medical examination of the body after death. It is performed by a forensic pathologist in two main situations: judicial request (suspicious death, accident) or medical request (to understand the cause of death).

The process begins with an external examination of the body. The doctor notes all visible observations: injuries, marks, particular signs. Then, an incision allows access to the internal organs.

Each organ is removed, weighed, examined and analysed. Samples are kept for additional examinations if necessary. The entire process generally takes 2 to 4 hours.

After the autopsy, the body is sewn up and can be returned to the family for the organisation of the funeral. Complete results are available after several weeks, the time needed to analyse all the samples.

5. What are the stages of grief?

Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross identified five phases of grief, although each person experiences them differently:

• Denial: refusal of reality, initial shock
• Anger: feeling of injustice, searching for those responsible
• Bargaining: mental negotiation, "what if..."
• Depression: deep sadness, social withdrawal
• Acceptance: integration of the loss, reconstruction

These stages are neither linear nor obligatory. Some people skip them, others return to them several times. The process varies according to the relationship with the deceased, the circumstances of the death and personal resources.

To better understand this journey, read our complete guide on the 5 stages of grief.

6. How much do funerals cost in Switzerland?

The cost of funerals in Switzerland varies considerably depending on the services chosen. Expect between 5,000 and 15,000 CHF for a complete funeral with a funeral home.

This budget generally includes: the coffin or urn (800-3,000 CHF), preservation care (500-800 CHF), transport (400-1,000 CHF), the ceremony (300-1,500 CHF) and burial or cremation (1,500-4,000 CHF depending on the canton).

The death notice in the press also represents a significant cost: between 800 and 2,000 CHF depending on the format and the newspaper. Wolky offers an alternative at 180 CHF to publish an online notice, accessible 24/7 and easy to share.

Consult our funeral homes directory to compare services and obtain quotes suited to your situation.

7. What is the difference between burial and cremation?

Burial consists of burying the body in a coffin, in a cemetery. It requires the purchase or rental of a plot (location) for a determined period (generally 10 to 30 years). Total cost: 8,000 to 15,000 CHF.

Cremation transforms the body into ashes by combustion at high temperature (approximately 2 hours). The ashes are then returned to the family in an urn. They can be buried, scattered (according to cantonal regulations) or kept. Total cost: 5,000 to 10,000 CHF.

In Switzerland, cremation today represents approximately 90% of funerals. It offers more flexibility for the destination of the ashes and generally costs less. Burial remains preferred for religious or cultural reasons.

Both options are respectful and the choice depends on personal convictions, the wishes of the deceased and family constraints.

8. Why is death a taboo in our societies?

Death has become a difficult subject to address for several historical and cultural reasons. In the past, people died at home, surrounded by their family. Today, 80% of deaths occur in hospital or care homes, far from everyday life.

This medicalisation of death creates distance. We are less confronted with the reality of death, which reinforces fear and discomfort. Modern society values youth, performance and health, relegating death to the rank of an anxiety-inducing subject.

The media often avoid the subject or treat it in a sensationalist manner. Families hesitate to talk about it for fear of hurting or worrying their loved ones. This silence amplifies anxiety and complicates preparation.

Breaking this taboo, however, allows us to anticipate serenely and express our wishes. Discover our advice for approaching the subject of death with your loved ones without taboo.

9. How can we honour the memory of a deceased person today?

Ways of perpetuating the memory of a loved one evolve with technologies and mentalities. Traditional practices remain important: religious or civil ceremonies, funeral monuments, visits to the cemetery, contemplation on anniversaries.

Digital tools today offer new possibilities. Online memorial pages allow memories, photos and testimonials to be centralised. Accessible at all times, they facilitate sharing with loved ones who are geographically distant.

Wolky offers Memories spaces where families can publish photos, share anecdotes and mark important dates. These pages become true digital memorial books, accessible to all those who wish to pay their respects.

Other simple gestures also honour memory: planting a tree, making a donation to a cause dear to the deceased, organising an annual event, passing on their story to future generations.

10. Are funeral rites the same everywhere?

No, funeral traditions vary considerably according to cultures and reflect very different visions of death. In Ghana, some communities organise joyful funerals with music and dance, celebrating the passage to the afterlife.

In India, cremation on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi allows the soul to free itself from the cycle of reincarnations. The ashes are scattered in the sacred river.

The Día de los Muertos in Mexico transforms death into a colourful celebration. Families decorate altars, prepare the deceased's favourite dishes and celebrate their memory with joy rather than sadness.

Buddhist rites in Asia often include 49-day ceremonies to accompany the soul in its transition. Each culture expresses in its own way respect for the dead and support for the living.

Explore these traditions further in our articles on mourning rituals around the world and the history of funeral rites.

Death raises universal questions that touch on biology, spirituality, culture and emotion. Understanding the physical processes, accepting the diversity of beliefs and knowing the practical aspects of funerals allows us to approach this subject with less apprehension. Grief follows its own path, rites vary from one culture to another, and each way of honouring the memory of a loved one is legitimate.

Breaking the taboo around death also means giving ourselves the means to live better. Talking about our wishes, preparing our funeral or simply exchanging with our loved ones soothes and clarifies many difficult situations.

If you wish to honour the memory of a loved one with dignity, Wolky supports you with simplicity and respect. Publish a death notice in a few minutes, create a personalised memorial page and share photos and memories with your loved ones. Discover our services now.