Why does anyone want it? Unless you can stay young forever also (or at least middle-aged), what's the point of living forever? When I die, I just want that forever sleep to take me away in peace; no more anxiety, depression, conflict, anger, hate, confusion. I don't want the good lard to disturb me in any way. I feel no need for an after-life; I've had enough here.

Fear of death and the lack of understanding of it, is the reason it was created, if you believe life will continue you should not have to fear it, at least in theory, however, it seems that religion at least the christen religions have failed miserably in this purpose.