Ray Martin has just completed a three-part documentary series on death and dying in Australia.  It is available to rewatch on SBS On Demand and is well worth the time.

The premise of the show is that Ray is now 79 years old and is statistically coming to the end of his own life and now must face the reality of choosing his own funeral.  It is a hard reality and one that is faced by Ray with vigour.  He is keen to look at the many different options available to him for his own death and funeral service.

I am a fan of Ray Martin and his style of interviewing subjects.  I think he brings an authenticity to this delicate subject and gives us an insight into some of the more unusual funeral, or death alternatives.  Ranging from Cryogenics where your body is frozen for a length of time into the future where you can then be ‘thawed out’ and able to be cured of your illnesses to go on living, to being buried standing up………he even discusses nude funerals!!

The range and breadth of discussions had by Ray is wide and varied.

Mostly though I think it is a wonderful piece of media that opens the discussion for families in general.

A discussion that we know can be difficult to have.

Talking about our own death or funeral has never made anyone die any quicker.  Having these difficult chats though will always leave your family in a far better position to know what it is your wishes may be.  From selecting your flowers to be placed on your coffin, or the music you would like to have played at your funeral service.  They are all ways in letting your family give you the send-off that you really want and one that reflects your life.

Yes, just like Ray’s many discussions in this series, they may be a little bit awkward, but ultimately the benefits will be for your family and yourself.

Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye

SBS On Demand