Findings from a ComRes study, released today to coincide with the beginning of Dying Matters Awareness Week, show that although most Britons think it has become more acceptable to talk about death and dying over the last decade, it remains a taboo subject.
The study reveals that approximately a third of British adults (32%) think about dying and death at least once a week, but 72% of the public believe that people in Britain are uncomfortable discussing dying, death and bereavement.
The research also found that most Britons are under-prepared for their deaths: only 35% said that they have written a will, 32% that they have registered as an organ donor or have a donor card and 31% that they have taken out life insurance.
Additionally, only 27% said they have talked to someone about their funeral wishes and only 7% have written down their wishes or preferences about their future care, should they be unable to make decisions for themselves.
Parents with children under 18 living with them are also failing to prepare for their deaths: just 40% of this group said they had ever taken out life insurance, while only 28% have written a will. The Dying Matters Coalition warns that this risks parents’ wishes about who would look after their children and inheritance not being met in the event of their deaths.
The chief executive of the Dying Matters Coalition, Claire Henry, today spoke of the need to “change the nation’s approach to dying.”
“All of us [must] become better at making our end of life wishes known and asking our loved ones about theirs,” she said.
“Talking about dying and planning ahead may not be easy, but it can help us to make the most of life and spare our loved ones from making difficult decisions on our behalf or dealing with the fallout if we haven’t got our affairs in order.”
The chair of the coalition, Professor Mayur Lakhani, who is also a practising GP, added: “There are encouraging signs that talking about dying is becoming less of a taboo than previously, but too many people are continuing to avoid facing up to their own mortality and are not putting plans in place.
“The public and health professionals alike need to become more comfortable talking about dying and discussion options for end of life care. We know that many people have strong views about their end of life wishes, but unless they talk about them and plan ahead they are unlikely to be met.”
Ensuring a good death
The survey also investigated the public’s attitudes to quality of life and what factors would ensure a good death.
A large majority of people (79%) agreed that quality of life is more important than how long they live for.
Being pain free was cited by a third of people as being the most important factor is ensuring a good death, with other popular responses including being with family and friends (17% of respondents) and retaining dignity (13%).
Three-quarters of the British public also believed that providing end of life care should be a fundamental part of the work of the NHS, with almost two-thirds (62%) agreeing that end of life care should be a priority for the new government.
Today marks the first day of Dying Matters Awareness Week 2015. The theme for this year is ‘Talk, Plan, Live’ and there will be a number of events across the UK which will encourage a more open discussion about dying and bereavement.
From today (18 May) to Friday, there will be a daily Twitter chat at 1pm; participants are encouraged to use #YODO (which stands for You Only Die Once) to join in.
Dying Matters offers advice on planning for the end of life and death; resources are available on the Dying Matters website.
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