In a Singaporean survey:
- Only 50% have ever talked about death or dying with their loved ones.
- Only 36% feel comfortable talking about their own death. (Lien Foundation Survey on Death Attitudes, 2014)
- You do not need to be seriously ill or dying to start talking.
Think & Talk
Think about what is important for you in the areas of:
- Your relationships
- Your lifestyle
- Your religion or personal beliefs
- Your healthcare preferences
- Your financial and legal matters
Thinking through these issues on your own before sharing them with someone you trust allows you to reflect on what matters to you. This process will help you prepare and be more comfortable when you are ready to share with your loved ones.
The following site is a useful resource to help you think through the issues: https://www.aic.sg/care-services/advance-care-planning
Opportunities to Start
#1 Use news or social media or a movie/play
“I read an article about end-of-life planning and it really got me thinking about these things for myself – and for you.”“There was this episode on TV recently, and it was about a man who is terminally ill. This got me thinking about what is important for me.”#2 Use a recent hospital visit (yours or someone you know)
“I have been following what Ah Ma went through. If something like this happens to me, I want to let you know that…”
“Even though I am alright now, I want to be prepared if something happens to me such that I cannot speak for myself.”#3 Many find that family gatherings are natural places to start (especially funerals and death anniversaries)
“Grandpa went very peacefully at home. This is how I will like to go. Peacefully and at home. Other things important to me are…”#4 Just do it! Invite your loved one to a discussion about your values and what it means for you to live well.
“I have been thinking about how I want the end of my life to be like and I would like to share this with you.”
Doing so allows you to share what is important to you, what you hope to do and what is meaningful for you to live well.#5 Writing to your loved ones. Some even audio tape their wishes for their families.
Doing so allows you to share what is important for you, what you hope to do and what is meaningful for you to live well.
However way you wish to start, remember that such conversations need not be completed in one sitting.Care to Listen!
Not everyone will be comfortable with such conversations.
If you are on the receiving end, don’t kill the conversation…
… by responding like this | Instead, try this … |
Touch wood, this will never happen! Don’t say such things! | Help me understand what is important for you. |
Don’t worry, things will be alright. | Tell me what you are worried about. |
I am not going to let you die! | What are the things I can do to help you? |
No, this is not what you should do. | I can see this is important to you. |
Listening to someone who wishes to share what is important to them as they reach the end of their lives is a privilege. Consider it a gift. Reciprocate with respect and love. So…
1. Hold your own views first. Respect that this is their journey and what they share stems from their experience and values.
2. Encourage them to share. Your body language is important. Leaning forward with good eye contact shows you are interested. Nod your head as a sign of acknowledgement and if necessary ask questions that helps you clarify what is important.
3. Stay calm. This is not always easy as there can be tears. You may also be feeling awkward or embarrased. Breathe in slowly to calm yourself if you have to.
4. Be honest. Don’t deny your feelings or the reality. Often, we do not know the ‘right thing’ to say, but just acknowledging these feelings (uncertainty, grief, fear, love) can be liberating and helpful. You may also have your views and may wish to share them. Do so respectfully (“I know that this is important to you. I wonder if you will consider…”).
5. Accept silence. You can remain quiet. Don’t feel either of you have to talk all the time. The conversation can be emotional. Allowing for silence and just being present is a sign of respect and affirmation of your care and concern.
Die logues...
…are important as we all die one day.
…are conversations that address our personal views on death and dying.
…are conversations focusing on matters that are important to us as we approach the end of life. These include:
- Our preferred type of care
- Our concerns on illness and suffering
- Our definition of living well
- Our concerns for family and other relationships
- How we like to be remembered (will, funeral, legacy)
- Practical matters like business, bills, estate
Dare to Talk, Care to Listen
Some find it hard as they…
- Do not wish to face their own mortality. But we know that,
- Talking about dying won’t make it happen.
- Not talking about dying does not prevent it.
- Fear upsetting others.
- Yes, it can be an emotional conversation but your views and concerns need to be heard. Likewise, be a good listener when your loved ones share theirs.
- Do not know how.
- The biggest reason for discomfort with talking about death/ dying is that they do not know how to broach the topic (45%).
Everyday about 55 people die in Singapore
- For many of us, we leave words unsaid and things undone until it is too late.
- Many have found that by talking openly about dying, they got to make the most of life and gained mutual support in the process.
- Conversely, when we avoid talking about dying, we can feel isolated as others fail to understand the concerns and provide the necessary support.
- Without clear instructions, those left behind may also face difficulties tidying up loose ends. This may result in guilt, regrets and conflicts.