It is a subject that has long been considered taboo, but having an open conversation about death, dying and how you wish to leave this world can help ease the burden on those left behind.
Despite society’s reluctance to talk about what is an inevitable chapter of life, a recent survey by Australian Seniors Insurance Agency showed many believed that needed to change.
“It’s certainly not a popular dinner party subject, but our research showed us perhaps it should be, with three-in-four respondents feeling the subject should be approached more often,” Agency spokeperson Simon Hovell said.
He said those who wanted more open discussions about death did so because it was “both natural and unavoidable”.
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Ensuring the deceased’s wishes were met was the second most popular reason, he said, followed by easing the grieving process and minimising the financial burden on the family.
In fact, 87 per cent of the over 50s surveyed admitted they had made little or no plans for their funerals, despite having thought about it.
Of those who had planned their funerals, just under three-quarters (74.3 per cent) nominated whether they wanted to be buried or cremated, with almost two-thirds preferring the option of cremation.
Psychologist and death literacy advocate Kerrie Noonan said funerals were traditionally solemn occasions but there was a movement towards making them a celebration of a life.
