Why is it important to think about death and dying? Although it may not be a fun topic, understanding how funerals are changing can help you and your family prepare for the future. Planning a funeral in advance can relieve stress for your loved ones. So, let’s take a look at how funerals are evolving.

According to the 2023 New Zealand Funeral Industry Trends report, over 38,000 families said goodbye to their loved ones last year. The report also highlights that both the way we say farewell and the funeral industry itself is changing. Here are some key stats and trends from the report:

Current Trends in Deaths

• Rising Death Numbers: As the population in New Zealand grows and ages, the number of deaths is increasing. In 2022, there were 38,868 deaths. Although the country saw a temporary drop in deaths in 2020 due to a successful Covid-19 response, the 2022 figures show an upward trend as things return to normal.
  
  
• Increased Longevity: People are living longer now, with the median age of death rising to 80.9 years, compared to 72.7 years forty years ago.More than half (53%) of deaths now occur at age 80 or older.
  
  
• Centenarians on the Rise: The number of people living to 100 years and older has increased significantly, which is impressive. In 2022, there were 459 deaths of individuals aged 100 and over, a 61% increase from 2016. We wonder what their secret is.
  
  
• Disparities in Age at Death: The median age at death for Māori is lower compared to the general population, at 71 years for Māori women and 66 years for Māori men.
  
  

Where We Die

While statistics on the ‘place of death’ are collected they’re not fully coded, but it’s estimated that about 70% of deaths occur in hospitals or aged care facilities.

Coronial Deaths

Deaths that are sudden, unexplained, or unnatural are reported to the coroner. In the 2020/2021 period, around 5,700 deaths were reported to coroners, with 3,600 cases accepted for investigation.

Assisted Dying

Since the legalisation of assisted dying in 2021, there has been a notable development in this area. Between November 2021 and November 2022, there were 661 applications for assisted dying, with 399 eligible and 257 resulting in assisted deaths. Most assisted deaths occur at home or in private residences (80%).

Understanding these trends helps you to make informed decisions. For a more detailed overview of how funerals are changing in New Zealand, check out this article: 2023 New Zealand Funeral Industry Trends Report.

Pre-planning your final goodbye will make it easier – for you and your family.

Funeral planning

Pre-planning your funeral and how you want to be farewelled is more important than ever. With New Zealanders living longer and more options available for funerals, there is more stress and strain on your loved ones when the inevitable happens. You can help reduce this stress by leaving a plan in your will of your final wishes. This gives your family the guidance they need to honour your wishes during a difficult time.

Funeral insurance can also help relieve the financial burden. With the rising costs of funerals, having a funeral insurance policy ensures your family won’t have to bear the full financial responsibility during a time of grief. This type of insurance typically covers expenses like the funeral service, burial or cremation, and other related costs, allowing your loved ones to focus on celebrating your life rather than worrying about money.

Preparing for the end of life is never easy, but with the right information and planning, you can ensure that your final farewell happens according to your wishes, with minimal financial strain on your family.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please get in touch with us at Dollar Insurance. We're here to help you every step of the way.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal situation or goals. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs and seek independent financial advice, if required, to ensure an insurance product is suitable for you.

Any product information is correct at the time this article was published. For current product information, please visit the Dollar Insurance website.