Facing Death: Thoughts on a seminar presented by Dr. Kathryn Mannix

Last week I was fortunate to attend a seminar by Dr Kathryn Mannix, a world leading palliative care doctor and author.

As someone who works closely with older people, I frequently encounter the realities of aging and end-of-life care. Now, as I personally navigate this journey with my own father, who is in the later stages of life, Dr. Kathryn Mannix’s insights felt both especially relevant and very reassuring. However, her message was not just for those facing similar experiences—it is one that everyone should hear.

Through gentle and often humorous storytelling with plenty of real-life examples, Dr. Mannix demystified the process of dying, offering a view that was both reassuring, but also entirely pragmatic.

Dr Mannix described how dying is not an unpredictable or frightening event, but rather a natural, recognisable process, much like birth. Just as labour ,when giving birth, has identifiable stages, so too does dying, and when we understand this, we can face it with less fear and greater acceptance.

She discussed the fear and misconceptions that so often surround death, emphasising that death is not the enemy, but rather a natural part of life. A quote from her bestselling book With The End In Mind is “By encountering death many thousands of times, I have come to a view that there is usually little to fear and much to prepare for.”

She talked about the importance of open conversations about death, encouraging families and caregivers to talk about it, before they have to. Dr Mannix highlighted the gentle nature of the dying process, reinforcing that dying is not a failure but the natural conclusion of a life well-lived.

Throughout the seminar, her message was clear: kindness, presence, and preparation are the most valuable things we can offer to our loved ones at the end of life. Small gestures—a familiar hand to hold, a soothing voice, an acknowledgment of emotions—can bring immense comfort.

As I navigate my journey with my father, it was great to have the opportunity to learn from Dr. Mannix. Her understanding reminds me that death is not something to fear, but something to understand, prepare for, and face with compassion. This is a conversation we all need to have—because, in the end, no one here gets out alive.

Chris Thomas

Manager, Age Concern South Canterbury