Most people in Wales think about their own death at least monthly, according to new research.
But the study – the biggest ever survey into death, dying and bereavement – has unveiled a 'death disconnect', as it uncovered that 72% of people in Wales haven't made a will, with many still unwilling to discuss their own demise with loved ones.
A fifth (20%) of people in Wales think about their own death as regularly as once a week, and over half (56%) are doing so monthly, according to the new research launched by Co-op this week.
In spite of this, over a million people in Wales are at risk of not having their affairs in order when they die, due to a reluctance in discussing their own funeral wishes with their loved ones.
The study forms the basis of Co-op's state of the nation Planning for Death report - backed by YouGov - based on the views of over 16,000 UK adults and 18,000 Co-op member owners and is an-depth investigation into the nation's attitudes towards death, dying, bereavement and later life planning.
Co-op, which is owned by its 5 million members, is encouraging greater comfort and openness in talking to loved ones about funeral wishes and death, gathering the thoughts and attitudes towards death of over 60,000 people across the UK, including 24,000 Co-op member owners, since 2018.
Co-op's report also reveals that just under a third of people in Wales (32%) are comfortable with and have talked to loved ones about their own death, while 9% said they were not comfortable and would not discuss it at all.
Co-op is encouraging the nation to talk to loved ones about their funeral wishes to avoid the emotional burden of not knowing how their loved one would want to be remembered.
Gill Stewart, managing director of Co-op Funeralcare, said: "...our findings highlight a real missing link between thinking, talking and even planning. It can be uncomfortable to discuss planning for death and funerals with loved ones, especially for fear of upsetting them – but we believe this is precisely why those conversations are crucial.
"We know that talking to loved ones now can help them later. Putting in place funeral plans, life insurance, a will or even a Lasting Power of Attorney, can go a long way in safeguarding loved ones when the time comes."
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