The idea that we somehow continue to exist in spirit after we die is discussed. The story contains some information about what might be in store for us, spiritually, post-mortem.

Notes:
This theme is considered to be topical, for example, if it is featured that a living person dies and transitions to being a ghost as the idea that this can happen when we die, is then implicit. The theme is not otherwise applied in a story where there just appears to be an incorporeal spirit, unless it is made explicitly clear that this is the after-life existence that can occasionally happen to people. In some stories there is a character that is the Grim Reaper, or similar. Surprisingly often, nothing further is said about whence (if anywhere) he is to escort the deceased. Thus "the afterlife" does not appear to apply. In some stories, the deceased character appears to remain in the world briefly for the purpose of relaying the story more than to suggest that this is a possible continuation of their spiritual existence. Unless matters are clarified further, we do not apply "the afterlife" as a theme.

Examples:
Ro and Geordi thought they might have died and become wandering spirits in tng5x24 "The Next Phase", before finding out that they had merely been phase shifted.

Aliases:
afterlife

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afterlife