Two-thirds do not have affairs in order for death

SURVEY: Research shows fewer than 10% of people have planned funeral

More than two-thirds of adults have not written a will, do not know they can plan where they die and have not discussed their future death with a loved one, according to a survey.

Research by the Sue Ryder charity found that 68% of respondents had not put together a will, while 67% were unaware that they can plan where they want to die.

Seven in 10 respondents said they had not discussed their death with a loved one, while fewer than 10% of people have planned their funeral.

The charity, which supports people with terminal illnesses, neurological conditions and those who have been bereaved, spoke to 2,002 people.

It said the findings confirm that stigma around death remains.

It has launched a report giving people practical tips to start conversations and make decisions about their final moments.

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.”

Margaret Doherty, director of the Art of Dying Well, a support site set up by St Mary’s University, London, said: “The D-word is still the elephant in the room.”

She added: “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.”