white sheet ghost on black background
A leading paranormal expert says ghosts may be aging out of our reality.

Old age comes for us all. Apparently, that even applies to ghosts.

A prominent paranormal expert says that the United Kingdom’s ghost population is disappearing into thin air.

Dr. Paul Lee holds a PhD in nuclear physics from the University of York and is one of the UK’s leading experts on ghosts. He says that many of the UK’s most famous ghosts are no longer appearing to the living, positing that their spectral essence is dwindling beyond the pale of death as they pass on to the other side.

Are ghosts about to be a thing of the past?

Running Out of Ghosts?

According to a 2023 poll, 69% of Brits believe that ghosts exist, and 20% believe their house is haunted. But if Dr. Paul Lee is correct, those believers may soon be a dying breed.

Dr. Lee says that he’s hearing of far fewer reported ghost sightings in recent years, including from some of the most prominent haunted locations in the UK.

His explanation? Ghosts are fading away, their lifeforce slowly dwindling as if they are aging out of existence. Dr. Lee reports that:

"Since January 2020 I've been contacting all the reportedly haunted locations on my app, and asking if the residents, owners or staff have experienced any unexplained activity. So far I've had almost 800 replies and even some supposedly highly haunted places like Conisbrough Castle in South Yorkshire, the Ettington Park Hotel in Stratford said to be one of the most haunted hotels in the UK and Fortnum and Mason in Piccadilly, say they haven't experienced anything in the last few years."

He explains that many of the UK’s most famous ghosts “are either dormant or have faded away or moved on,” and suggests that their “natural sources of energy” have “dwindled away over time, leaving them without the reserves to manifest anymore.”

However, Lee says there’s reason to be hopeful for lovers of the supernatural: “It may be that ghosts can be recharged,” he states, saying that sometimes ghosts disappear for years at a time before making a reappearance.

For the sake of professional ghost hunters everywhere, let's hope so.

Spiritual Crisis

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, one thing’s for sure: sightings of ghosts in the UK and beyond are down.

What was once a somewhat common occurrence is increasingly rare. Whether that’s due to a shift in cultural beliefs, or ghosts losing their lifeforce – as Dr. Lee says – is up for debate.

This may be bad news for those who feel special connections with the supernatural, such as the British woman who claims she’s had sex with 20 ghosts.

Others, however, will likely be thrilled with fewer ghosts haunting the halls of their home, opening doors, and clanging pots and pans together in the middle of the night.

Is the Age of Ghosts Coming to a Close?

Skeptics might argue that we’re all seeing fewer ghosts because we live in a more rational age, where we have scientific explanations for what past generations may have credited to the supernatural.

Believers, on the other hand, might say that ghosts are simply losing their potency, their energy fading with time, and no one is really sure why. 

Of course, it’s entirely possible that all of us have our faces in our phones too often, and wouldn’t notice an apparition even if it was waving its see-through arms right in front of us.

What do you make of all of this? Do you believe in ghosts or the supernatural? Why do you think there are fewer reported specter sightings?

70 comments

  1. David Buck's Avatar David Buck

    Some believe ghosts use the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum to appear or affect their surroundings. If true, maybe the proliferation/pollution of EMR from cell phones, wi-fi and Bluetooth are interfering? They say children find it easier to see ghosts than adults because their minds are not cluttered with the rules of what is 'rational'. Maybe we are all so rational now that we simply refuse to perceive them? My mother used to quote the old saying: "There's none so blind as those who will not [refuse to] see."

    1. Dr Rohn's Avatar Dr Rohn

      I remain true to that old saying. Need I say more?

      My teaching include the following:

      See what you are looking at Look at what you see Hear what you're listening to Listen to what you hear

      Doing so will afford you all the edification available to you in that particular moment.

  1. Ari Joseph Bertine's Avatar Ari Joseph Bertine

    I think there's a very simple explanation for a dwindling number of ghost sightings: It's very difficult to see ghosts if you are staring at your phone all day.

  1. James Riggle-Johnson's Avatar James Riggle-Johnson

    I chose to believe. Que X-Files music. Lol! I wouldn’t believe it if I hadn’t had experiences myself. Can I prove the existence of spirits, no, but I know what I’ve seen. I don’t know why this Nuclear Physicist thinks they’re running out of energy. I think we’ll all find out one day when we die.

  1. Ty Ford's Avatar Ty Ford

    I think Spirits still abound, but ghosts..... Not so sure. The late Dr. Karl Wickland wrote a very interesting book about "the dead." In it, he concludes that living people with multiple personality disorder are actually inhabited by the souls of people who have died, but haven't figured out that they are dead. https://www.amazon.com/Thirty-Years-Among-Dead-Wickland/dp/1907661727

  1. Lionheart's Avatar Lionheart

    Well, with religion declining, I’m sure the mythical Holy Ghost 👻 will be the next one to mysteriously disappear 🤭

    🦁❤️

    1. Timothy Sean Hamilton's Avatar Timothy Sean Hamilton

      As long as you go first and see if it is true,

      1. Lionheart's Avatar Lionheart

        If it’s true, I’ll come back and tell you, Sir Timothy. If you don’t hear from me you can assume it isn’t.

        🦁❤️

    2. Reverend Paula Copp's Avatar Reverend Paula Copp

      Hahahaha! Too funny, LH!

  1. Rev_Shaun's Avatar Rev_Shaun

    "ghosts losing their lifeforce"

    Being someone who has had a dose of just about every god going - including spiritualism - I think there is something to be said for this point.

    When we occupy a space we leave traces of our presence behind. Footprints, fingerprints etc, and as tracker dogs know, even a scent. But do we leave something else behind, some kind of invisible vapour trail? I'm lead to this question by noting that 'ghost'sightings tend to on a loop. Its always the same old/young woman/man walking exactly the same old route every night at exactly the same time. Are we actually watching nothing more supernatural than a replay? And is the reason why some people see the 'entity' (and others do not) due to the fact their body's have the right chemical mix at that time that enables them to see the entity?

    If we are watching nothing more than a replay that has been projected onto the ether by the chemicals of the 'ghost' when they were alive, is it at all possible that one day, they might just fade away? Is the reason they are no longer seen, explained by nothing more than that the batteries have run out.

    Like I said, I used to believe in the supernatural but now I believe it is a nature we don't yet know the full dimensions of. Imagine if we could read the ether, make the job of the cops easier wouldnt it?

    1. Joy's Avatar Joy

      I like this perspective. Animals know and see a lot more than we do. Nature truly is amazing.Thank you

    2. George S Guida's Avatar George S Guida

      I feel you are on target. Science cannot study something if the scientists themselves have been conditioned to believe there are no "ghosts". Those with open minds and feelings don't disregard the potential of anything. Plus, going with what you shared, there have been ghost sightings forever. But maybe after seven generations the ghosts we see aren't the same ghosts we saw. And maybe for reasons many aren't aware of yet, some Human consciousness has expanded past the ability to "see" ghosts and now it's more of "feeling" spirit... 🤔

  1. Rev. Dr. Father JJ's Avatar Rev. Dr. Father JJ

    If only there were a way, a mean by which these things could be deemed factual. You know, like evidence, proof, repeatability, something like, I dunno, the scientific method. Unfortunately all we ever get are odd sounds, questionable photos and the rambling stories of people desperate to be noticed. Well at least they'll always have religion, hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahavvvv

    1. Rev. BH's Avatar Rev. BH

      I was with you, ready to add a thumbs up, until all the desperate to be noticed "ha"s.

      1. Rev. Dr. Father JJ's Avatar Rev. Dr. Father JJ

        I didn't write those "ha's", those were ghost sounds.

        1. Alejandro Medina de Wit's Avatar Alejandro Medina de Wit

          Hahahaha

  1. Theresa Marie Zieber's Avatar Theresa Marie Zieber

    I totally agree that there is more to this existence than what we can see, hear, feel, etc. I have seen things that cannot be explained. I think if you have a soul that is OPEN to these manifestations, anyone can see ghosts, spirits, etc.

    1. Charles W. Kelley's Avatar Charles W. Kelley

      I agree. I have seen things I can’t fully explain. In the past I tell what I saw. People make fun or just laugh. So, I quit telling. Maybe people are still seeing. They just don’t want to be ridiculed. Chas. K

  1. Lori-Ann Neeb's Avatar Lori-Ann Neeb

    Of course entities can decide to hang around for whatever reasons they may think they have, do not realize they are dead, wish to finish something, watch over something or someone, etc. Just as we wrote life charts to direct our lives here as to what we want to experience or learn, we can also decide when to cross over. Everyone eventually goes Home. If they hang out until the time will come when the earth can't support life anymore, then angels or lived ones will come for them to help them cross over.

    1. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

      Lori-Ann, I agree with your metaphysics. But I'll say now, I want to be a lot smarter in my choices for my next life! It's a cinch that I'll be coming back given my many imperfections.

  1. Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski's Avatar Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski

    Interesting article. I believe in ghosts & I would think with the most recent wars we would have an abundance of dead spirits floating around. Where are they? T'is the ?

  1. Colleen McAllister's Avatar Colleen McAllister

    I do believe in ghosts, or spirits if you prefer. I have seen them. I have lived in 2 houses that were haunted by something. I would assume that less apparitions are seen due to more scientific explanations being offered. Most such things are explainable, which still leaves plenty of paranormal incidents out there. As to England, well less people are fooled by the usual spooky stuff these days so much of it goes unmentioned.

  1. Theresa C. Marquess's Avatar Theresa C. Marquess

    I found reading all of your comments quite interesting and entertaining. Some people believe in UFOs, extraterrestrials, etc., so why not ghosts? It's such a pity that the UK is running out of Ghosts. What will become of all of the previously haunted houses now that the Ghosts are leaving?

    1. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

      Theresa, my alien friends will be offended that you don't believe in them. 'guess I won't tell them.

      1. Theresa C. Marquess's Avatar Theresa C. Marquess

        I did not exclude myself by saying 'some people'...I've seen ET as well. Tee-hee! As one of his biggest fans, I hope I did not offend the Ghost of Carl Sagan, who also may believe in UFOs, extraterrestrials, etc. ; )

        1. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

          :)

  1. Desmond Andrè Humphrey's Avatar Desmond Andrè Humphrey

    Hello everyone, Some interesting comments. We all believe what we want to believe, its been going on for millennia. From Goddesses to God's, all different God's for different religions, but we don't need science to prove this to us, but we want scientific evidence of spirits. I myself was a sceptic until my first experience 15 years ago and believe me I didn't need any scientific evidence to tell me what had just happened.

    As for the question about spirits dieing or fading out, I have this theory, just imagine being a spirit and a ghost hunting team comes in night after night asking you the same old questions, playing the same old games, it would get on anyone's nerves. I would wait until someone more interesting comes along.

    Everything on our World put there by nature lives and dies, and is there for a reason, it holds energy, it pulses. When you tap into that you don't need science. Blessings to you all

  1. Cindy L Edgar's Avatar Cindy L Edgar

    No I see them and talk to them all the time and we have ghosts and spirits so no I think they're still there for some reason they just don't want to have long discussions anymore unless they're trying to give information to someone else

  1. Cindy L Edgar's Avatar Cindy L Edgar

    I'm a high priestess so I talked to spirits and ghosts almost every day I can be driving down the road and I'll jump in my car I'm used to it but I have noticed that decline in them talking more now or trying to get somebody's attention but I know they're still there.

  1. High Priestess Vega's Avatar High Priestess Vega

    Spirits, ghosts, etc. aren't disappearing or "dying out". As long as people keep dying, there will be spirits. I mean, some can be helped to cross over, of course some cross on their own, but a lot still stick around. What you may be speaking of is the fact that there are more and more of the living trying to help the ones that need help. I have 28 years in spiritual work and the occult. Remember, if all seems quiet ESPECIALLY on the spirit realm, that usually means the calm before the storm or like being in the eye of a hurricane. The spirit world isn't meant to be quiet. Also, worst case scenario, you and whomever you have spoken to, have somehow lost connection. It does happen, especially when you are in a constant state of survival or panic with all that is going on in the world. PS FOR ALL THE NAYSAYERS: If the spirit world and abilities weren't real, why do we have quantum physics, metaphysics and parapsychology? Use your brain. Just because you haven't seen it or experienced it, doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

  1. April B's Avatar April B

    I can’t speak for everyone’s experience. But in mine, healthcare, we tend to see/feel/experience things randomly. Most of the time is when someone is transitioning. Or has just passed. There is definitely some connection to the spirit realm during that time. It isn’t anything that can be recorded by science. It just happens randomly from time to time. For example, I was working night shift, and something strange happened. Several times in a row, a patient’s chart kept falling off the shelf. First time, it fell, no biggie. Second time, I was a little irritated, because I placed it somewhere it shouldn’t have fell out. Third, time after I know where I put it, should not have fallen. It fell again. Too annoyed to deal with it again, I left it there. The tech I was working with started laughing at me. She said that person is probably going to die soon. That spirit wants you to know. I said yeah right, I don’t believe that stuff. When I returned to work after a few days, that patient had died. I felt horrible. But I was also confused. I wish the whole incident could have been recorded.

    1. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

      April, what an amazing story. I think I would have freaked out after the second time the chart fell. I've read books describing shared death experiences when loved ones are present during a person's passing which have included nurses.

  1. Timothy Paul. Forrester's Avatar Timothy Paul. Forrester

    I'm one who believes in the Bible and no way does the bible: and no ware does it say our souls are left here on earth. When we die our soul's go to heaven; but Satan can send his demon's to ask as us, making us believe that our loved are here.

    1. Lionheart's Avatar Lionheart

      Thank you for telling us what you like to believe. It would be nice if there was some factual demonstrable evidence to support peoples beliefs, and claims, wouldn’t it?

      It’s quite amazing what some people just like to believe. Some people still believe the Earth is flat, and some believe in fairies, and some still even believe Elvis is alive. Weird…..right?

      Anyway, thank you for your comment 🤗

      🦁❤️

  1. Nicholas J Page's Avatar Nicholas J Page

    I live in the U.K and this is the first i have heard this i have never met a ghost and i do not believe in the paranormal nor does any surviving members from both sides of my family .These people are fake and prey on other peoples weakness and extort money claiming they can see the other side and communicate with the dead.Its time this sort of fakery was banned by law.

    1. James Riggle-Johnson's Avatar James Riggle-Johnson

      It’s not so simple Nicholas. I have had interactions with spirits. I’ve seen things that are unexplainable, but I discuss them with very few people. I don’t make money off of it. I know what I’ve seen, and it’s not faked, or hoaxed, or explained. I can’t tell you whether or not it’s a spirit, but there is something there. The electrical impulses in our bodies, our life force, or our souls do exist in my opinion. That energy goes somewhere. Banning something you don’t believe in isn’t the answer. Yes, I believe there are people who scam others and fake what they’re doing, but there are some who can actually see and hear spirits.

      1. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

        James, your are so right. How nice to see posts that reflect this kind of metaphysics. Thank you.

    2. Robert Rohr's Avatar Robert Rohr

      I used to believe that too, but had far too many real experiences and think otherwise.

    3. Lori-Ann Neeb's Avatar Lori-Ann Neeb

      There are many out there who are fake. That does not mean some have genuine abilities. You just need to ge careful and make sure the person demonstrates real abilities. You can't ban the concept by law. That is a slippery slope leading to oppression and lose of freedoms if allowed. Look ag all the loss of basic rights happening through conservative controls in places banning anything and everything that doesn't fit their bigoted agendas.

      1. Wendy L. Day's Avatar Wendy L. Day

        I believe in ghosts 👻 have seen things as a little girl and still do. Yes there are fakes out there scamming money from whoever they can.... But there is people such as myself that were born with gifts that can see things that the average person can't.... There are many photos and witnesses accounts .... Not only do people see ghosts but all so demonic ones... Be glad you don't have to deal with those they can bring you the worst kind of trouble... I see it that people are judging others calling them mental... Please don't judge... You may experience something you don't want to, one of these days....

  1. Douglas Robert Spindler's Avatar Douglas Robert Spindler

    With God being dead, does that mean his ghost is now gone?

    1. ServantOfJudgement's Avatar ServantOfJudgement

      I doubt it, chumps are still gunning for him. Brova don't keep shooting when he knows bruva is dead.

      1. Reverend Paula Copp's Avatar Reverend Paula Copp

        Nietzsche said, “god is dead, and we have killed him.”

  1. Daniel Gray's Avatar Daniel Gray

    Well if the people believe you can have sex with a ghost does this mean the woman is a spiritual sl#t? Oh wait, maybe its called "personal gratification?"

    1. Charles W. Kelley's Avatar Charles W. Kelley

      She maybe one of Solomon’s 700. Concubines. Not a sl#.t.

  1. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

    This was a fun article. I've seen a ghost, so I'm a believer! But only once in my life, so rare indeed.

  1. Jeffrey A Lloyd's Avatar Jeffrey A Lloyd

    There's plenty at my house I see them in the yard and in different rooms . They seem friendly one even tipped his hat to me !!!

  1. Brandi Lida Skinner's Avatar Brandi Lida Skinner

    There are probably less ghosts bc people are not manifesting them with their mind as much anymore or maybe they're just too busy checking their emails & notifications to notice. People do fail to realize how much is possible with the mind & imagination.

  1. Ronaldo's Avatar Ronaldo

    It could be that people who told the ghost stories knew they were making then up back in earlier times. Today, if anyone tries to tell such a tall tale, someone will invariably ask "did you get a picture of it?" With no real ghosts available, and virtually everyone carrying a camera today, people just quit telling the stories.

    1. Tammy Lynn Phillips Price-Hoyle's Avatar Tammy Lynn Phillips Price-Hoyle

      I can see your point, however, I have seen ghosts and didn't have a camera right there with me. Yes, had my phone in my purse or pocket, but it's not like they always stay around and pose. But I have been lucky enough to get a few shots of them - problem is the photos come out a bit hazy for some reason or streaked with lights, and then when you do get the nerve up to show them to someone you can guarantee someone is going to say you somehow faked them.

  1. Thomas P. Davis's Avatar Thomas P. Davis

    Upon reading all of these comments, I can only think of these verses.

    Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 

    2Co 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  2Co 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

  1. Roger J Palmer's Avatar Roger J Palmer

    Sex with a ghosts is hardly believable. Sex is a human physical experience. Ghosts, abaritions, energy clusters etc., do not have physical bodies any longer and therefore are not interested in physical satisfaction.

    1. Reverend Paula Copp's Avatar Reverend Paula Copp

      I think you mean “apparitions”. I agree in that having sex with a ghost is a little far fetched.

  1. Steven Ferrell's Avatar Steven Ferrell

    This has to be the funniest one I have ever read on here.
    Oh wait, I see ghosts every year near Christmas when I watch Scrooge. The ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. 🤣🤣🤣

  1. Rhonda Vazquez's Avatar Rhonda Vazquez

    If we believe some of the tv shows that guide the spirits of the dead onto the next, then it would be plausible that the appearance of spirits or what have you, is lower. Not sure what people would expect after so many removals or passing them on. With all the solar/lunar events that have happened already this year, it does take a toll on the universe. I do know for a fact that these events have my diabetic nephew’s blood sugar messed up. He isn’t the only diabetic I spoke with who has had issues.

  1. Adrian Williams's Avatar Adrian Williams

    There is a worldwide conditioned ambivalence and individualized experimation experience happening worldwide. Conditioned ambivalence - Name a streaming platform or cable service that does not have a library of supernatural phenomena in movie, series, or documentary form. The influx of information make the paranormal more normal.

    The individualized experimentation experience = TheYoutube, TikTok, Instagram, and Voyeurs of the world are less likely to report to a scientific or spiritual agency rather than investigate themselves. Try to seek help on social platforms. Or monetize the event whether organic or manufactured.

  1. Arthur Charles Sakelakos's Avatar Arthur Charles Sakelakos

    I believe in ghosts have seen them in the past but not in the past few years. I would like them to come back, I can use the company.

  1. Coleen Gay Walker's Avatar Coleen Gay Walker

    Perhaps we're approaching an event that will make the residual ego forces obsolete? Just a thought.

  1. Rev. Donut's Avatar Rev. Donut

    Yeah, I saw what you said.

    I'm a ghost.

    BOO!

    There ya go.

    Ghost interacted with. You can always go to the "flashlight trick" for ghostly interactions.

  1. Scott Frase's Avatar Scott Frase

    Ghosts do not exist.They never have.

  1. Rev Samantha Counihan's Avatar Rev Samantha Counihan

    spirits cant die nor fade, spirits (souls) are immortal but our vessal (physical body) can die, ghost is an insult theyre called spirits, some of us believes in reincarnation so we grow young again in after life like in Summerland and reborn as a new baby

    1. Lionheart's Avatar Lionheart

      So, do you have any demonstrable evidence to support your claim that "spirits", as you call it, don't die and are immortal, or are you just getting that from a book?

      Thank you for your comment to this discussion, Lady Samantha. 🤗

      🦁♥️

  1. Robert K Brown's Avatar Robert K Brown

    I think it has to do with the time and age were living in. We're nearing the end times.

    1. Rev. Dr. Father JJ's Avatar Rev. Dr. Father JJ

      the end times...isn't that something only your goD would know? unless you, you know, know the mind of goD? do ya? huh? do ya know the mind of goD? cause if'n ya don't then why make something up about the end times?

  1. Rev. Michelle Love's Avatar Rev. Michelle Love

    Is it possible that the bloodlines that these ghosts belonged to have died out and that they no longer have family members to look over?

  1. Clement R Bronkoski's Avatar Clement R Bronkoski

    Well first of all let me say that I don't believe in ghosts. When I first saw this topic I chuckled to myself because for the most part ghost stories were meant to scare people. Today, if you're not a believer in Christ, this world is scary enough that even if ghost were real they aren't as scary as what's going on today.

  1. Nancy-Lynn Grace Argue's Avatar Nancy-Lynn Grace Argue

    I have interacted with ghosts and spirits for many years. Not only do I believe that they exist, I know that they exist. I have photographed them before. As has my God sister. I know that in my experience those who have been involved for the other side of the Veil do not manifest as often the longer the time is. However they do come at times of great crisis or sorrow. And will often come in my sleep. Sometimes I will hear the voices of people who have gone on. What I know for sure is that love is energy and that energy does not die it just changes form. y'all have a blessed day

  1. Robert K Brown's Avatar Robert K Brown

    Definitely a varied pallete of belief on this subject.

  1. Daniel Gray's Avatar Daniel Gray

    Say what??? If people are constantly dying and some are supposedly turned into ghosts...just how are you going to be running out of them?

  1. Avku Magh's Avatar Avku Magh

    I currently have a camera (ironically called the geeni brand) that can catch spirits in 4K. My catalogue is getting thick with a few that seem like repeat visitors

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