'WE DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO'

Richard and Judy reveal their big fears about illness and death as they grow older

As Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan get older, it seems the couple are starting to worry about what the future may hold - including the morbid thought of how to plan for the other’s death.

The pair have been married for 38 years, but Richard, 68, has confessed that he and Judy, 76, are still yet to discuss funeral arrangements. ‘I don’t think that I have ever even thought about what kind of funeral I would like, still not told Judy,’ he admitted. ‘So if I got hit by a bus on my way home today she wouldn’t know what I wanted and I’m not sure I do either.’

Increasing anxiety

It seems mortality has been a topic of concern in the Madeley-Finnigan household lately, as Judy recently confessed she worries about ageing and the health issues that come with it. She said, ‘If life expectancy has risen dramatically in the last two or three decades, it’s come at a price; it’s brought with it a host of anxieties mostly unknown to our grandparents’ generation and the generations before.’

Revealing her list of worries, the author added, ‘Dementia’s the big one, obviously. Yes, “getting on” has long been associated with absentmindedness and confusion, but until at least the mid-20th century most people conked out well before dementia really sank its teeth in. Sadly, today it’s the leading cause of death in the country.’