Recession & Life Insurance

I heard something from a life insurance agent and was wondering if it was true.  He said when the economy hits a downturn, like we've been in for the past ten years, his business actually goes up.  I would think it would be the opposite - when money gets tight, things like life insurance aren't a necessity and get dropped.  If his successful business is any indication, I guess when things get bad, people start to think about their mortality and the future of who they would leave behind.  People can find cheap life insurance and make sure they're leaving something behind for their loved ones to be taken care of.