Only one in three Australians have done any end-of-life planning and taken action to ensure their wishes are documented and known to their loved ones.
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A study, commissioned by The Groundswell Project Australia, has revealed the attitudes, behaviours and experiences of Australians around death, dying and end-of-life planning.
The research reveals that while nine in 10 (87 per cent) people believe it is important to do some end-of-life planning, many feel there are too many barriers and challenges to the process including death being too emotional to think about, not knowing where to start or where to get help or information; and not understanding their choices.
However, many accepted end of life planning would help the people they care about, with almost half (48 per cent) saying it would lessen the mental burden on their loved ones of organising financial and legal affairs; and 40 per cent believing their loved ones would be comforted by knowing for certain what they want to have happen after they die. Almost a third believe it would help their loved ones grieve and heal more readily.
Improving death literacy is the purpose of The Groundswell Project culminating in an annual Dying to Know day which this year takes place on August 8. The national campaign asks people of all ages and stages of life to 'get dead set' around the reality of death and dying - because it's going to happen to us all.
"Death is often over-medicalised and institutionalised. Our superstitions, fears, discomfort, and lack of knowledge about dying affect our approach to end-of-life, said Cherelle Martin, Dying to Know campaign manager.
"At a time where our mortality is a part of our collective consciousness like never before, it is crucial to ensure that we normalise conversations around death and dying, so Australians can 'get dead set'," said Cherelle.
Three ways Australians can 'get dead set':
1. Capture your choices in writing. Like a will, substitute decision maker and guidance on your social media or organ donation. These could be documents, or as simple as a text or scribble on a serviette to start.
2. Have conversations with loved ones and others so they understand your wishes - and you understand theirs.
3. Prepare your send-off. Share what you want it to look like so you can be celebrated and remembered in line with your wishes.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"Dying To Know Day provides Australians with an opportunity to come together, join the conversation and get dead set. Our localised events give people safe spaces to engage in meaningful conversations around death and learn more about how we can prepare for end-of-life," said Cherelle.
People are also encouraged to join the conversation and share their experience via social media using the hashtag #GetDeadSet and #DyingToKnowDay. Tag @D2KDay on Facebook and Instagram.