The article “As population ages, more are confronting the last taboo” (May 30), reminds me that death is the great equaliser. All humans must confront it sooner or later.
This also brings to mind what the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew related about his encounter with former Finance Minister Hon Sui Sen at the latter’s deathbed. Mr Lee remarked that Mr Hon, a Catholic, was serene and prepared for death.
The article quoted a medical social worker who said family members often find it painful to broach the topic of death with their ailing loved ones.
I reflected on how schools teach much about living, but unless one studies medicine, the only subject that touches on end-of-life issues is religious study.
Almost all religions teach something our spirit senses instinctively: That there is hope after death, that one’s soul lives on after the physical body dies.
While different religions may differ in their belief on where the spirit goes and in what form, the common thread is that the “last taboo” is not the end. To educate our young ones about living and dying well would not go amiss.
In almost every aspect of life, we are advised to start preparations early. To plan for retirement, one must start saving early. To plan for longevity, one must start exercising early. Now, the population should confront end-of-life issues early.
In fact, we should not have to “confront the last taboo” if we have been properly prepared to live and end our lives well.
Our medical social workers would have an easier time and more rewarding work if our general population understands the true meaning of life and death in a way that stills their spirit, from as early as their schooldays.
This applies to both death and major illnesses. I have read an ironic statement about a phenomenon of our society: We spend our health to acquire wealth in our youth, then spend our wealth to acquire health when we are old.
My wish for my fellow Singaporeans is for all of us not to leave this earth with loads of money and worries about it, as we know we cannot bring any material possessions with us on our deathbed.
