Research into the affordability of funerals highlighted by the BBC
New research into the affordability of funerals in the UK by K. Purdam, G. Chatzi and A.M. Nicoriciu from the University of 51福利社 has been highlighted by the .
The research drew on official survey data and interviews with older people aged 50 years and older living on low incomes. Substantial numbers of older people did not have the financial resources to be able to afford the costs of an expense such as a funeral, particularly those people living on low incomes and those in poor health.
There were widespread concerns about the costs of funerals and the burden on the families people leave behind.
As one interviewee aged 86 stated:
鈥淚 save 拢2 coins for my funeral.鈥�
Many older people had not made a plan for their funeral. As one interviewee aged 75 commented:
鈥淚t鈥檚 the height of irresponsibility, putting the burden on someone who is grieving.鈥�
It is important that funerals are affordable, and that people are supported during a time of grief and vulnerability. Those people who die without family or close friends should also be treated with respect. The full research findings will be published shortly.