Published on: 16th December 2019

Only 10% of Brits Have Planned For Death

New research has revealed only 10% have planned for their end of life which suggests there is still a huge stigma surrounding death in the UK.

With death potentially causing financial catastrophes as well as grief, breaking the taboo around confronting death is still a big issue among Brits. According to Sue Ryder Charity, who support people through the most difficult times of their lives, more than two-thirds of adults are not prepared for death due to not making a Will, were not aware they could choose where they wish to die and have not had conversations about their passing with family or friend. Looking at research statistics, out of 2,002 people who were surveyed 68% of respondents do not have a Will and 70% have not even talked to their loved ones about dying. Furthermore, it was found in the Sue Ryder Charity's study that 67% did not realise they could document where they wish to die in a specific location. Shockingly, only 10% of people surveyed had begun or completed planning for their death.

Heidi Travis, chief executive of Sue Ryder, said:

"We all need to start talking about the 'D' word. Many of us plan for weddings and births, holidays and careers, yet we still shy away from planning for our death. Current research shows that only a quarter of deaths will be sudden. The period of time following a terminal illness diagnosis can be short as well as incredibly emotional, so don't leave it until then to start planning. It may be easier to think about our 'bucket list' or the songs we want played at our funeral, but by taking the time to think about whether we would prefer to die in a hospice or at home, writing a will, setting up a lasting power of attorney or making an advance care plan, it is possible to plan for a better death."

The Sue Ryder Charity, which supports people with complex needs and life-threatening illnesses across the UK and internationally, are campaigning to get people talking about death and encourage later life planning. As death is a difficult subject and painful and sad to think about, they have set up a guide to motivate Brits to discuss the 'D' word to help people plan a better death. With the British people so reluctant to discuss, prepare or plan for their passing, St Mary's University in London has set up a support site called 'The Art of Dying Well'.

Margaret Doherty, director of The Art of Dying Well, said:

"The 'D' word is still the elephant in the room. Fortunately, social media has helped to turbo charge the 'D' conversation and inspirational individuals have come forward to share their stories about love, loss, life, death and dying, but there's still much to do to help each of us face our own mortality and those of the people we love." In 2018, a study was undertaken by Co-op into post-life matters which speculates that 18 million people find it increasingly difficult to consider and talk about their death. Of these, 13 million people understood that they needed to communicate about such matters, but the conversation would be held begrudgingly. Even though there have been many organisations in the last few years campaigning to create awareness of talking about death, most Brits still continue to find it a difficult and awkward conversation to have and shy away from it. Creating a Will is one practical way to start planning for the inevitable.

If you would like to meet one of our Consultants and discuss any of the issues raised in this article or any other Estate Planning topic, please telephone 01732 868190 or click here.

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