Just over half of Britons are unaware of their partner's final wishes and the majority are not making adequate plans for their own death, according to a study by the Dying Matters Coalition.
Some 83 per cent of those surveyed admit that they are uncomfortable discussing dying and making end-of-life plans, while just 6 per cent said they had written down their preferences about future care, should they lose capacity.
Only 36 per cent have written a will and 32 per cent claim they have been involved in an argument about money or property following a family death. Despite this reluctance to talk about the issue, 80 per cent believe all adults should have a will to avoid disputes.
Claire Henry, chief executive of the Dying Matters Coalition and the National Council for Palliative Care, said: "While dying is one of life's few certainties, the reality is that the majority of people are still shunning important conversations and practical actions such as writing a will.
"Although we're encouraged that the majority of people can see the need for adults to write a will and indeed actually support this becoming a requirement for all, there's still a long way to go as most of us still aren't planning ahead.
"That's why we're calling for a national conversation on dying, so that all of us become more comfortable making our wishes known, including on emerging issues such as digital legacy, which we know that most people have never considered.
"Talking more openly about dying and planning ahead is in everyone's interests, as it can help ensure we get our wishes met and make it easier for our loved ones.
"You only die once, which is why it's so important to make your wishes known while there's still time."
For further information or advice on making a will please contact:
Nansi Webb (Leominster office) nwebb@gabbs.biz,
Giles Scott (Hereford office) gscott@gabbs.biz
Helen Kingdon (Leominster office) hkingdon@gabbs.biz
Carolyn Theobald (Hay on Wye office) ctheobald@gabbs.biz
Fenella Longstaff (Hay on Wye office) flongstaff@gabbs.biz
