Short Video Series on End of Life Planning

Exploring End of Life Planning with Margaret Manning from
Sixty and Me

As uncomfortable as the thought of end of life planning may be, it really is your greatest chance to help your loved ones through one of the most difficult times they’ll ever face. In a series of five video chats, Sixty and Me founder Margaret Manning and I take a detailed and sympathetic look at the challenges of making a good end of life plan.

What Questions Should Guide the End of Life Planning Process?

In our first discussion, Margaret and I explore the questions confronting all of us older women as we prepare to make our end of life plans.

The questions cover things such as defining your acceptable quality of life, so you can avoid being kept alive beyond that point. Or deciding who to include in your end of life conversations.

If you’re a mother, what role (if any) do you want your children to play in your end of life process? If you don’t have children, who can step into the role in their place?

Finally, what’s your belief about the nature of physical death? How can the way you dispose of your body help express it to those you leave behind?

Can an End of Life Plan Improve Your Life in the Here and Now?

Our second and third chats look at the all the reasons why having an end of life plan makes your final years so much less stressful for all concerned:

First, your will guarantees the quickest, least costly resolution of your final wishes. It also ensures that your most cherished possession go to the people you intend.

An advance directive prevents having your life extended beyond your wishes if you’re incapacitated. A power of attorney authorizes someone you choose to manage your financial or health affairs. A list of your favourite clothes, foods and other preferences helps your caretakers keep you comfortable.

And detailed instructions about your funeral or memorial service provide much-needed guidance to those grieving your loss.

What is the Before I Go Solutions End of Life Planning Method?

Our conversation on the Before I Go Solutions (BIG) end of life planning method presents the enriching lessons I learned in the months leading up to my husband’s death.

Available as a shared online experience, book or downloadable workbook, it’s my practical and compassionate way of walking other people through the planning process.

What Does a Good Death Really Mean?

In our final discussion, Margaret and I share what having a good, peaceful and pain-free death means.

Writing and executing your own end of life plan with the help of your family or support community can be a truly freeing experience.

With these five videos, we’ve tried to show the importance of putting this difficult but necessary task behind you. But there’s simply no better way to minimize the stress and emotional pain of the dying process for those you leave behind. And that’s a legacy worth treasuring!

What are your thoughts on completing an end of life plan and who, if anyone, is sharing your effort? Please watch my interviews with Margaret and join the conversation!