The right way to die

A new report commissioned by the charity Sue Ryder has highlighted once again the very British reluctance to discuss dying with our loved ones. Whilst it would appear that we are happy to expend both time and money on planning for births and marriages, death remains the unwelcome guest in the triumvirate of life events. 

The statistics quoted are unsurprising to those of us who work in the field: 70% have not discussed death at all with their families, 68% have not written a will and fewer than 10% have planned their funeral.

The fear of facing one's own mortality is a common one and a reason often given for avoiding making appropriate plans for the future.  But having that conversation with your family can give both you and them peace of mind.

Often making a will is a good start because it helps you to focus on the details of what you would like to happen both at the time of your death and afterwards. A death is always a sad event even if it is anticipated but at least having the comfort of a well planned death can make it easier to bear for all those involved.

Whilst Brits know how they would spend their last days on earth, few are preparing for them, our new survey has revealed. As a result of this, we are calling on the nation to start talking about death.”