Over 50s fail to tackle a difficult subject

A new survey shows that three-quarters of over-50s have yet to make any provision for their funeral, according to a new survey out today. Whilst it is of course a difficult subject for many families to broach, this lack of preparation can cause long-term problems for those left behind should the worst happen.

The research reveals that over six million people (13% of the population) worry they will not be able to pay for the send off they think loved ones deserve.

Interestingly however, the research by Post Office also found that when it comes to inheritance, the majority of us would actually prefer to be left sentimental keepsakes than money. So whilst a quarter of us would prefer to leave money for loved ones in our later years, only 16% of us want to receive it.

Most favoured items to receive are treasured possessions (32%), letters of love, video and audio recordings, surprise gifts and favourite music or films. While this suggests a trend towards keepsakes rather than cash, it is still vital that everyone gets their affairs in order.

If non-financial and emotion assets are more important to those left behind than money alone, should we be more open about our will wishes? And what can we do to ensure we give our loved ones the send off they deserve?

Gemini Adams, grief expert and author of Your Legacy of Love: Realise the Gift in Goodbye, advised people to think ahead. She says, "When it comes to preparing for the ‘worst’ typically we’re encouraged to write a will to share our financial assets, but what our surviving loved ones really need is a continuing bond, to help them remember us, and how much we cared.

"By leaving emotional assets, together with our financial assets, we can share our total ‘wealth’. Preparing for the end of life isn’t very appealing, yet by taking advance action we can all realise the gift in goodbye, and leave a legacy that can help to alleviate the grief and suffering of our family long after we are gone."

For more information visit postoffice.co.uk.