If you grew up during The Beatles' era, you know about Eleanor Rigby. If you're single, you might ask yourself: Who will be there to make arrangements for my funeral, or at least give me a proper burial?
The Pew Research Center's 2014 study, A Record Share of Americans Have Never Married, found that there's been a steady increase since 1970 in the share of the U.S. population that remains never married by the time they reach ages 45 to 54.
Forbes' recent article, "Single People Worry: Who'll Be There For Us?" sought advice from some of the funeral industry's leading experts, who offered these recommendations:
Pre-plan the Funeral (or Cremation). Making your own funeral arrangements sounds like a great idea, but in fact, very few people actually do this. A 2015 consumer research study found that 69% of adults over the age of 40 said they'd prefer to pre-arrange their own service, but only 17% had made arrangements. You have to bite the bullet and visit some cemeteries and funeral homes and discuss planning options and prices.
Discuss Your Last Wishes With Those You Trust. If you're single without close relatives, ask a good friend to help and have a serious discussion about how you'd like to be remembered when you die.
Be Okay with Your Death. Remember, the great memories of your life aren't tied your remains' location.
Never-married, without-family boomers need to plan their own death arrangements, so they can find peace in what they can control, without the need to compromise.
Reference: Forbes (March 11, 2016) "Single People Worry: Who'll Be There For Us?"