Marie Curie survey reveals where people would like to spend their final moments

One in five men (18%) would like to spend their final moments having sex – compared with just 1.9% of women, according to a new survey by Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Marie Curie – whose nurses provide free care to people with terminal cancer and other illnesses in their own homes – polled 1,781 people from across the UK to find out where they would like to die.

Key survey findings:

• One in five men want to die having sex – 10% want to bow out at the pub
• Two-thirds of people would like to spend their final hours at home
• Only 3% want to be in hospital at the end of their lives

The survey reveals significant differences in where men and women would like to die. One in ten men (9.3%) hope to bow out down the pub, but only 1% of women would choose to draw their last breath at their local boozer.

Men would also much prefer to die watching their favourite sports team win (6.3% of men vs. 1.4% of women), doing something exciting such as being on a rollercoaster or bungee jumping, and doing their favourite sporting activity. A larger share of women would prefer to die somewhere picturesque or doing their favourite relaxing activity, such as reading or listening to music.

Amongst all respondents, almost two-thirds (63%) stated they would like to die at home and the majority of people (71%) would like to be surrounded by friends, family or loved ones. In stark contrast, just 3% want to spend their final hours in hospital.

Former MP and Marie Curie Cancer Care supporter Edwina Currie, said: “My first thought about where I’d like to die was 'under George Clooney – any time!' But wherever you would like to spend your final moments – whether on a beach in the Bahamas or somewhere less exotic - the reality is that not everyone gets to die in their place of choice.

“At present, most people die in hospital – the place they least want to be. But Marie Curie believes everyone should be able to die in their place of choice. Their nurses currently care for around half of all cancer patients who die at home and with your support they can provide more free care to people where and when they need it at the end of their lives.”

Top 5 places where people want to spend their final moments*

Surrounded by my friends, family or loved ones: 71%
At home: 63%
Doing my favourite relaxing activity (e.g. reading): 18%
Somewhere picturesque: 16%
In my favourite holiday location: 10%

*Percentage of all respondents who chose each response shown.

Marie Curie Cancer Care carried out this survey to help launch its flagship fundraiser, the Great Daffodil Appeal. Throughout March everyone across the UK is encouraged to give a donation in return for a Marie Curie daffodil pin.

All money raised enables Marie Curie Nurses to provide more free care to people with a terminal illness in their own homes. This year Marie Curie aims to raise over £5.5 million through the appeal.

Daffodil pins can be picked up from local stores, schools, street collectors and from Marie Curie Shops. 

To find where you can get a daffodil pin in your local community or how to get involved in the appeal please visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil.

To make a £3.00 donation to the Great Daffodil Appeal please text DAFF to 70777 now.

-ENDS-

Marie Curie Cancer Care carried out an online survey of 1,781 members of the public from across the UK, including supporters of the charity, from February 21-24, 2011.