How we'd like to be remembered
A new study commissioned by CPJ Field has revealed that Britons would most like to be remembered as someone who was a good friend, followed by being kind and trustworthy.
The study, which was conducted in May, involved interviewing 1,500 members from the general UK population and has shown that many of us have thought about how we would like to be remembered when we have died. Over half (51%) agree it’s important to be remembered fondly after you die and a further 39% percent say that the way they’d like to be remembered affects their everyday lives and how kind they are to others.
Unsurprisingly, the majority of Britons (85%) hope to have made a positive impact on their community when they die. More on the results from the research can be found below.
How would you like to be remembered?
The most popular responses from the research showed that Brits would like to be remembered as;
- 57% say their children or grandchildren will be their biggest legacy - this includes almost two thirds of women (64%).
- Half of Britons hope that when they die, they will leave the world a better place.
- 57% believe they will have made their friends and family happy during their life.
- 44% agree it’s easier to let go of anger as we get older.
What do you wish you'd worried less about?
When it comes to the things Britons wish they’d worried less about when they were older, the most popular responses were;
What do you wish you'd done differently?
-
42%
Said learning from your mistakes
-
38%
Said remembering not to sweat the small stuff
And over half (53%) say they wished they had spent less time doing what they think they should do and more time doing things which actually make them happy.
49% hope they’ve guided their children and grandchildren so they’re remembered as good people later in their lives.
Funeral planning
Of those interviewed, the study showed that;
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44%
Of respondents considered planning their own funeral - this includes 51% of Britons aged sixty and over.
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52%
Of respondents aged sixty and over have spoken to their loved ones about their funeral wishes
-
61%
Six in ten Britons know the type of funeral they would like
Resources
Sadly death is something that affects us all and conversations about death and dying are difficult, but the more we talk, the less of a taboo it becomes. We've pulled together some tips on planning ahead and how to start a meaningful conversation with those closest to you.
