Justin has developed a serious phobia about flying over recent years and I think it’s rubbed off on me somewhat. Moreover, it’s good to know that it can easily be overcome with self hypnosis because such anxieties are extremely excessive and irrational. Before I flew to Trinidad earlier this year (without Justin, I went with my dad) we thought it was a good time to finally get around to writing our wills. We’d put off doing it for years… for no reason in particular, just the usual ’round to it’ excuse. However, having just turned 50 – and with a 9-hour transatlantic flight on the horizon, the time seemed expedient.

Many people don’t want to think or talk about mortality and death; they find it gory, pessimistic, embarrassing or morbid. So, when we were approached by SunLife to write an article about funeral plans, we saw it as an opportunity to broach this sometimes uncomfortable subject with our readers. Here are some of the important steps to be taken to get your life (and death) in order.

In case of emergency

We’ve all heard the advice about always wearing clean underwear in case you get run over and need to be taken to hospital. But seriously, what if you do get run over or have some other medical emergency when you’re on your own?

I have a fairly new model iPhone where you can input ‘in case of emergency’ information. If you go to Settings→Emergency SOS you can insert the names & numbers of emergency contact people. You can also type in medical information such as any conditions you may have, medications you’re taking, any allergies, your blood type and whether you’re an organ donor.  Even if your phone has a passcode, this information will be accessible if someone taps the emergency button on the home screen.

Justin’s iPhone is an older model that doesn’t have Emergency SOS settings. However, there are a number of apps (most free) on iOS and Android that serve the same purpose.

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Organ donation

From spring 2020, adults in England will need to opt out of organ donation. Prior to that though, you’ll need to register and let those nearest to you know of your wishes. I’ve chosen to be an organ donor. I signed up online and I carry a donor card in my purse. I’ve also told Justin and my parents that I’m registered.

_{Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 ImageCreator}

Power of attorney

Power of attorney is a legal written document given by one person or party to another authorising the latter to make decisions on behalf of and act for the former. There are currently two types that can be issued; ordinary and lasting power of attorney.

Ordinary is sufficient for occasions where you’ll be out of the country or in hospital for extended periods of time during which financial decisions may need to be made in your absence. Lasting will be needed in cases where there is dementia and other ongoing, permanent mental or physical incapacities.

Will

You’re never too young to begin thinking about a will. Actually, that’s not true; you can legally make a will from the age of 18. If you draw one up at this age, there’s nothing stopping you updating it as you get older and your circumstances evolve and change. You want to ensure that your assets and your precious belongings (which includes beloved pets) are looked after and are passed to the people and institutions of your choosing.

There are a few different types of wills; single, mirror wills (for couples), trust wills, living wills. There’s a lot of information available online which will help you decide the best option for you. If you’re over 55, you can get free professional help during Free Wills Month (which is every March) to write or update your will.

Funeral plans

Do your loved ones know whether you want to be buried or cremated? Do they know if you want a church service? What about flowers or a cortège? You can create a document giving your clear instructions and requests about words to be read, music to be played, attire to be worn by you and the attendees and anything else you think is important.

And finally

Inform family members or your planned executor of where you’ve stored all your important documents and information. It’s essential to keep original copies of these together in a secure fire- & waterproof strong box or safe. Also to be included are financial papers such as bank statements, tax returns, ISAs, stocks & shares certificates, house and/or land deeds, birth certificate, adoption papers, marriage/civil partnership certificate, divorce decree absolute/civil partnership final order etc.

Have you done anything yet about life and death plans? Be willing to bring up the topic in conversation and also start preparing for any eventuality!