Research shows that 87 per cent of Australians agree that at least some end-of-life planning is important however many often experience barriers to taking action. Today, Dying to Know Day encourages Australians to ‘get dead set’ having conversations and start planning around end of life.
An annual campaign that empowers Australians at all stages of life to live and die well, Dying to Know Day is held on August 8. During the month, people hold events, gatherings at home, take individual action, and much more, all to improve their knowledge around choice at end of life.
It’s important to plan
New research, commissioned by leading not-for-profit The Groundswell Project Australia, has revealed the attitudes, behaviours and experiences of Australians around death, dying and end-of-life planning. The study reveals that while nine in ten (87 per cent) Australians believe it is important to do some end-of-life planning, only one in three (35 per cent) have actually taken action.
The research shows that almost two in three (64 per cent) Australians feel there are challenges and barriers to them undertaking end-of-life planning – including death and dying being too emotional to think about (14 per cent), not knowing where to start (17 per cent), or where to get help or information (16 per cent) and not understanding their choices when it comes to end-of-life (15 per cent).
The benefits of end-of-life planning
However, the research also explored the perceived benefits of end-of-life planning at all stages of life. Most profoundly, Australians say that if they were to die unexpectedly, having some end-of-life planning in place would help the people they care about.
With almost half (48 per cent) saying it would lessen the mental burden of organising financial and legal affairs on their loved ones; and two in five (40 per cent) believe that their loved ones would be comforted by knowing for certain what they want to have happen after they die. Almost a third (30 per cent) believe it would help their loved ones grieve and heal more readily.
Reshaping the way we approach death
Dying to Know Campaign Manager at The Groundswell Project Australia, Cherelle Martin, says that these results reinforce the importance of reshaping the way we approach death in our communities, especially at a time where the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we live, die and grieve.’ Death is often over-medicalised and institutionalised. Our superstitions, fears, discomfort, and lack of knowledge about dying affect our approach to end-of-life. This new data emphasises that Australians think conversations – and action – around end-of-life is important.
‘This new research highlights the many ways in which people can feel ill-equipped to act or start a conversation. Sadly, this can mean that end-of-life experiences are not aligned with an individual’s values, preferences or wishes.
Part of our collective consciousness
Ms Martin says that 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’.
The Groundswell Project Australia’s Dying to Know campaign – which culminates today on Dying to Know Day – aims to improve death literacy and positivity in individuals and communities through local events. Death literacy is the knowledge, compassion and practical skills that enable supportive action and active decision-making around someone’s end-of-life choices.
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.
The campaign, which has the support of Australian actress and writer Anna Lindner, invites Australians to overcome their fears or discomfort around death and take action on end-of-life planning in a way that is right for them. It outlines simple steps people can take around end-of-life planning, which is personal and unique to everyone.
Getting dead set
There are three key ways Australians can ‘get dead set’:
- 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.
‘Dying To Know Day provides Australians with an opportunity to come together, join the conversation and get dead set,’ says Martin. ‘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.’
To register your Dying to Know event, find an event or access support for your end-of-life planning journey, visit: www.dyingtoknowday.com. The campaign provides supporting resources and workshops to guide your discussions, and a toolkit to help promote your gathering or event.
People are also encouraged to join the conversation and share their experience via social media using the hashtag #GetDeadSet and #DyingToKnowDay. Don’t forget to tag @D2KDay on Facebook and Instagram.
Throughout the Dying to Know website you’ll find some guides, toolkits and resources to support having conversations with the people in your life.
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