Why we still can't talk about dying - and how to start

Talking about death could make life easier, says Marie Curie

- David McLean

Death remains a taboo subject for more than a quarter of people according to research which comes as a charity published a checklist encouraging the public to think about their end-of-life care, writes David McLean.

Marie Curie's list, curated by clinicians, covers everything from wills to wakes and what we might want to happen to pets and social media accounts when we die.

The charity said its research found that most people (56%) put end of life thoughts off until their health significantly deteriorates or they are given a terminal diagnosis but that almost two thirds (63%) admit delaying could create a lot of added stress in a time of crisis.