How might out feelings about death be related to our materialism?

Not once in my lifetime have I ever heard people talking about dying. Its an uncomfortable topic and it seems unimaginable to think of leaning the earth and going on to a greater place. America and every other country in the world values youth. It's supposedly the greatest time in one's life and its filled with admiration. However the movie, Tuesdays with Morrie breaks this. Morrie says, "we start to live when we are dying." I am not 73 years old but I strongly agree with this quote. When we feel like death is ions away from us, we take everything for granted, while Morrie thought being able to enjoy a simple day with his family was the best day ever. I think if more people realize that life is a short journey people would live a little differently and the elderly would be valued.