Inside a paper coffin: how Hongkongers can prepare for the end of life
In the final instalment of a five-part Health Matters wellness series on ageing in Hong Kong, Emily Hung looks at how living funerals, advance directives and family mediation are helping older residents plan for death, as experts warn low death literacy can leave families facing conflict and emotional debt. When Hongkonger Regina Luk Sau-ying was 65, she invited 20 friends to watch her climb into…
Hongkongers are increasingly turning to unconventional methods to plan for death, as a lack of "death literacy" can lead to family conflicts and emotional distress. A 2025 study found that residents scored only 4.68 out of 10 on a death literacy scale, below Singapore's 5.66. To address this, experts recommend living funerals, advance directives and family mediation.
One resident, Regina Luk, had a living funeral at 65, inviting 20 friends to watch her enter a paper coffin. She chose complete darkness, feeling safe and secure in the womb-like environment. The experience allowed her to appreciate life's final chapter and focus on what truly mattered.
Luk has meticulously planned her farewell, including funeral arrangements, music and eulogies. She has also prepared her will, designated her nephew as her enduring power of attorney and registered her body as a medical donation. These actions not only fulfill her wishes but also ease the burden on her relatives and encourage self-discovery.
Social enterprise Five Blessings offers a comprehensive life-and-death planning service, covering wills, power of attorney, advance directives and funeral planning. The organization has seen a rise in demand due to demographic changes, including the Covid-19 pandemic, migration waves and evolving family structures. Experts warn that failing to plan for death can lead to asset disputes, prolonged suffering due to unwanted life-sustaining treatments and a financial burden on the government.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
