- Most Singaporeans delay end-of-life planning.
- 81% show openness to planning, but few take action.
- SMU survey reveals disconnect between attitudes and actions.
Despite growing awareness, Singaporeans struggle to turn end-of-life planning intentions into concrete actions.
Overview of the SMU Survey
According to a recent survey by Singapore Management University (SMU), most Singaporeans are delaying their end-of-life planning.
The survey, conducted in January 2025, reveals a significant gap between people’s openness to discuss death and their actual preparations.
Despite growing willingness to talk about end-of-life matters, it remains the least planned of life’s milestones for many Singaporeans.
Key Findings on End-of-Life Planning
The SMU survey uncovered several important insights into Singaporeans’ attitudes towards end-of-life planning.
81% of Singaporeans show moderate to high openness towards end-of-life planning.
However, fewer than 13% have both talked about and written down their final wishes.
More alarmingly, more than half (53%) have done neither.
This stark contrast highlights a disconnect between what Singaporeans say and what they actually do regarding end-of-life matters.
“Despite Singaporeans’ growing openness to talk about death, it remains the least planned among life’s milestones”
Survey Methodology and Participants
The survey was led by SMU Principal Lecturer of Statistics Rosie Ching.
It was conducted over five weeks in Jan 2025, involving 101 undergraduates in an experiential Statistics project.
A total of 2,187 respondents across Singapore were surveyed through various means, including face-to-face, online, and telephone interviews.
This marks the third survey in a series, building on previous studies conducted in 2021 and 2018.
The Role of Education and Training
Before conducting the field survey, students underwent comprehensive training to handle sensitive conversations about death.
This training, provided by the Samaritans of Singapore, equipped them with the necessary skills to navigate difficult discussions.
The project received support from the National Environment Agency Memorial Policies and Projects, Memorial Facilities & Planning Division and Direct Funeral Services Pte. Ltd.
Importance of End-of-Life Planning
End-of-life planning is crucial for ensuring that one’s final wishes are respected and that loved ones are cared for after death.
It can help reduce stress and confusion for family members during an already difficult time.
“Just today, my doctor shared with me how lost she and her siblings had felt when their father passed away without any arrangements in place. As someone who has survived long-term illness and lost many dear to me, I’ve come to believe that death is a door we will all walk through one day. The only way to step through it with peace is knowing that those we love will be safe and cared for after we’re gone from this earth.”
This personal anecdote from Ms. Ching highlights the emotional impact of not having proper end-of-life plans in place.
Addressing the Taboo
Despite the importance of end-of-life planning, it remains a taboo subject for many Singaporeans.
The survey aims to break down these barriers and encourage more open discussions about death and final wishes.
“For the third time in seven years, I’ve led this project on a subject still considered taboo by many,” commented Ms Ching. “Throughout this journey, I have stayed the course in my belief that we must educate one another on the importance of preparing for end-of-life matters, topics too often swept under the carpet and left unspoken.”
This commitment to addressing sensitive topics underscores the importance of the ongoing research.
Access to Survey Results
For those interested in delving deeper into the survey findings, full results are available at www.screeningstatistics.com/despatch.
This resource provides valuable insights into Singaporeans’ attitudes and behaviours regarding end-of-life planning.
Do you think more should be done to encourage Singaporeans to engage in end-of-life planning?
