Young Brits increasingly comfortable talking about their own death, new report finds

Young people in Britain are more comfortable talking about their own mortality than previous generations, with almost two-thirds of 18-24 year olds discussing death, new research has revealed.

A poll of 1,000 respondents found four in 10 young adults are more likely to talk to their mum about death than anyone else.

The study also found young Brits are more comfortable today talking about their own death, than someone else’s.

The study was conducted by Pure Cremation, whose spokesperson Catherine Powell said: €œAlthough there is still a lot of work to be done to remove any fear and awkwardness around the subject, it is hugely encouraging that a brave new generation of young people are up for tackling this challenge.

€œThe great news is they are actually getting on with it and talking about the fact that eventually our time will come to an end.€

The research also found the older generation are only slightly better prepared for death than young people, with 16% of over 65’s saying they avoid talking about the subject because they ‘haven’t thought’ about their final wishes.

However, both generations do have something in common; the main reason they don’t talk about the subject is because €˜the idea of death is scary’.

It also emerged almost three quarters of over 65’s have never raised the subject of death with their mum. And, when it comes to talking to dad, four in five admit to ‘never’ having had the conversation.

Relationship coach and psychologist Sam Owen worked with Pure Cremation on its Dead Good Report, a state-of-the-nation report looking at attitudes to death and dying, as well as new funeral trends, such as the growth of direct cremation.

Sam said: €œWe must all be completely honest with ourselves and others when it comes to the subject of death, not least because it is a natural part of life.

€œI would urge people of all ages to talk about death.

”Make it as emotionally comfortable as possible; and use these conversations to give you perspective, motivation and energy €“ as a reminder of the limited time we all have.

€œBeing open about death can prepare us for when a loved one passes, giving us resilience through the grieving process.

€œImportantly, if you don’t have the big conversation with those close to you, you will miss out on learning what you can do to fulfill the final wishes of your loved ones when the time comes.€

The study also found 70% of Brits are ‘totally comfortable’ talking about death, and 68% don’t mind others talking about the subject.

Discussions about mortality seem natural to 26% of adults, while 34% think it is important to ‘get things out in the open’.

Although 38% don’t like talking about death as it’s ‘too sad’, while 27% admit to finding the topic ‘uncomfortable’.

To download the Dead Good Report, please visit www.purecremation.co.uk/thedeadgoodreport