Considering that we all die at some time or another, whether by old age, illness, or accident, it is indeed curious that it seems to be a somewhat taboo subject.
Everyone, regardless of their age or circumstance, needs to plan for both their own death, and that of their partner, and the plan needs to be reviewed every 5 years or so as their circumstances / wishes may change.
It’s not just the financial side of how will the surviving partner ‘manage’ once left on their own, but also such things as where the survivor will wish, or be able to afford, to continue living, and whether or not they will seek a new life partner.
Will the surviving partner wish to be in a French Care Home if they become unable to care for themselves for example.
These things should be discussed openly, and once they have a plan between themselves, any children of either or both of them should be informed of what has been decided. This last point is especially important when there are step-children involved.
The grief of bereavement is hard enough to cope with in any circumstance, but it is so much easier for the surviving partner if there is a previously discussed, and hopefully agreed, plan to follow.