Seniors Urged to Initiate Legacy Planning to Provide Clarity for Loved Ones

The number of seniors is increasing in Singapore, but many still have not made plans for when they die, said former president Halimah Yacob, urging them to initiate such discussions.

- Syarafana Shafeeq

It is important to do so to make the process easier for loved ones and grieving children when the time comes, she said on May 17.

Recognising that legacy planning is a sensitive topic, Madam Halimah said that the younger generation may not have the courage to broach the topic of death.

"Conveying our last wishes, or communicating to our loved ones our preferences regarding funeral rites and religious traditions, is critical so that they have clarity," she said, speaking at a symposium on legacy planning by the Silver Caregivers Cooperative.

It will make things easier for our loved ones when they know our wishes, so they are spared from confusion and everyone has peace of mind, she added.

Madam Halimah said that like many, she has thought about legacy planning for a long time, but has not taken the first step to start.

"I'm 71 years old now, so I think I should do something about it," said the mother of five.