Core Concept - The exhibition titled "Bringing Death Back into Life" opened on October 18 at the Times Museum in Chengdu, showcasing works from 29 creators across anthropology, sociology, art, and medicine, aiming to encourage open discussions about death [1][5]. Group 1: Exhibition Overview - The exhibition is initiated by the Medical Sociology Research Center at Tsinghua University and supported academically by Professor Jing Jun, who emphasizes the importance of expressing thoughts on death without restraint [1][5]. - The concept of the exhibition is inspired by a report from the Lancet's Death Value Academic Committee published in 2022, which calls for a reevaluation of end-of-life care and societal attitudes towards death [5]. Group 2: Artistic Contributions - Curators and artists such as Zhou Wenjing, Zhang Muchen, Lu Guijun, Song Min, Zheng Que, and Xiang Zhiling focus on themes like antibiotic use, disease disclosure, medical decision-making, end-of-life care, and emotional remembrance, addressing individual rights and dignity within the healthcare system [5][6]. - Specific works include Lu Guijun's "I Hold My Own Funeral," which presents a public education practice on life and death, and Song Min's "Reverse Care," which highlights the care provided to the dying by medical professionals, family, and community [5][6]. Group 3: Cultural and Social Reflections - Some artworks delve into deeper spiritual and cultural concerns, with artists like Wang Zhigang, Zhuang Kongshao, and Yue Mingyue exploring death as an opportunity for rebirth through traditional motifs and historical contexts [6]. - Artists from the Sichuan-Chongqing region also contribute, with works reflecting on themes of life fragility and social responsibility, such as Zhu Cheng's chairs inspired by Song Dynasty tomb carvings and Zhu Ming's reflections on earthquake sites [6]. Group 4: Exhibition Duration - This exhibition is the second stop following its debut in Beijing and will run until December 11 [7].

Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges and compromises in hospice care in China, emphasizing the struggle for dignity at the end of life within an imperfect system [1][7] - It highlights the increasing aging population in China and the associated healthcare challenges, particularly in end-of-life care [2][6] Group 1: Aging Population and Healthcare Challenges - China is experiencing an unprecedented aging era, characterized by a rapid increase in the elderly population and a rising average life expectancy [2] - As of 2018, the average life expectancy in China was 77 years, but the average healthy life expectancy was only 68.7 years, indicating that elderly individuals spend an average of 8.3 years living with illness [2] - The prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders is increasing, raising questions about health and medical care in the context of aging [2] Group 2: Hospice Care and Dignity - The concepts of "hospice care" and "end-of-life care" aim to help the elderly accept their reality and achieve a dignified death [5] - In the U.S., patients can choose hospice care if two physicians determine they have less than six months to live, allowing them to forgo curative treatments [5] - Recent legislative efforts in China, such as the Shenzhen Medical Regulations, have begun to address the need for advance directives, marking a step towards ensuring dignity in end-of-life care [6] Group 3: Cultural and Systemic Challenges - The practice of hospice care in China predates the establishment of formal systems for ensuring patients' rights to self-determination at the end of life [7] - The article raises critical questions about how patients perceive and advocate for their dignity in the current cultural and systemic context [7] - It emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of the complexities and compromises involved in providing dignified end-of-life care, reflecting on the various personal needs and choices that arise in this context [8]

Core Insights - The discussion revolves around the impending elder care and end-of-life crisis facing the post-90s and post-00s generations in China, emphasizing the need for proactive preparation [8][14][39] Group 1: Research and Observations - The research conducted by the professor and his team over the past 15 years includes visits to hospitals, hospice care facilities, and nursing homes, focusing on how Chinese people approach aging and death [1][3] - A significant finding is that the elderly population in China aged 65 and above has doubled from 7% in 2001 to 14% in 2021, indicating a rapid shift towards an aging society [14] - The professor collected 364 narratives from families and medical staff to understand how death is discussed in Chinese culture [3][12] Group 2: Death and Dying in Chinese Society - The traditional model of end-of-life care in China is primarily family-based, while newer models include hospital-based palliative care, which is often misunderstood [17][19] - There is a stark contrast between the number of people receiving palliative care (less than 300,000 annually) and the millions suffering from terminal illnesses, highlighting a gap in care quality [19][21] - The professor emphasizes the importance of diverse end-of-life care models, including community-based approaches and traditional practices, rather than focusing solely on hospital care [21][23] Group 3: Cultural Perspectives on Death - The societal approach to death in China has shifted, with a growing tendency to avoid discussions about death, leading to a "barbaric" form of dying that lacks dignity [33][34] - The professor argues that the strong filial piety in Chinese culture often leads to decisions about end-of-life care being made by family members rather than respecting the wishes of the dying individual [28][30] - There is a call for a more nuanced understanding of death that incorporates traditional beliefs and practices, moving away from a singular, materialistic view of death [36][38]