Commentary: What is death literacy and why it matters long before the end

Mr Y was an active 73-year-old until what began as flu-like symptoms worsened rapidly. He passed away two days after being rushed to the hospital. In those final hours, shrouded in shock, disbelief and grief, his family faced difficult decisions but was unsure of what to do or what Mr Y would have wanted.

Situations like these take place more often than imagined in hospital wards across Singapore. When hard conversations are left until a diagnosis or crisis, decisions about treatment or caregiving roles are often made under emotional duress.

In Mr Y’s case, there was a deep reluctance to talk about death and dying at home.

Because Mr Y’s wishes were never clearly expressed, his wife and children had to decide on the ceremonial rites, the photograph for the hearse, where to place his ashes, who to inform on his behalf without knowing if they were right. What they are left with is not just uncertainty, but also a lingering sense of guilt and wondering if they had truly honoured his wishes.