More than ever before people are planning for their end-of-life circumstances. Some even plan for what music they want played while on their death beds.
Many people today make plans for their end-of-life care. Some of those plans have legal effect, such as living wills, general durable powers of attorney and health care powers of attorney. Other plans are more aspirational.
While some people might prefer to pass away at home instead of in a hospital or hospice, those “plans” can be thwarted by medical necessity. Another somewhat aspirational plan is a “singing will,” as described by New York Times columnist Mark Vanhoenacker in "My Deathbed Playlist (and Yours)."
The idea is to create a list of the music you want to be played when you are at the end of life. It is a playlist of songs that meant something to you during your life – the hearing of which will make the experience of passing away more meaningful.
At least, that is what the people who create them believe.
Of course, a singing will has no legal effect and the circumstances of someone passing away might preclude the playing of specific music.
Regardless, you should plan for your own end-of-life care.
Everyone should have the basic legal documents of a living will, a general durable power of attorney and a health care power of attorney created long before they anticipate needing them.
Creating a singing will might not be for everyone, but for those interested creating one cannot hurt anything.
Reference: New York Times (Nov. 5, 2016) "My Deathbed Playlist (and Yours)."
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