(Family Features) One of the most difficult conversations many people have in their lives involves the end of life. While often uncomfortable to think about or discuss with others, talking about and sharing end-of-life wishes should be a common occurrence.

In fact, 91% of Americans believe talking about death and dying is healthy and normal, but 1 in 4 (27%) are uncomfortable actually doing it, according to a first-of-its-kind survey commissioned by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the world’s leading and largest funeral service association.

With nearly one-third (31%) of survey respondents admitting they’re uncomfortable thinking about their own mortality, Remembering A Life, the organization’s online resource for accessing grief resources and funeral planning information, is offering a free downloadable guide, Start the Conversation, to help family and friends have meaningful conversations about loved ones and how they’d like to be remembered. By requesting the free download, you’re eligible to win a deck of Have the Talk of a Lifetime Conversation Cards, which help families start the conversation in a fun, informal setting.

The survey revealed a need for finding healthy ways to discuss death and end-of-life plans with friends and family, as well as new generational trends, highlighting Gen Z’s unique perspective about end-of-life matters. Consider these notable survey insights:

• Talking about death: While 9 out of 10 Americans surveyed believe talking about death and dying is healthy and normal, Gen Z (18%) is significantly more likely than older adults to believe it’s not healthy and normal – bucking the generation’s reputation as open and willing to discuss difficult and controversial topics. Those uncomfortable with talking about death cited not wanting to upset others (37%) and considering it too depressing (34%).
• Preferences for burial and cremation: Over the past several years, the U.S. cremation rate has increased steadily (60.5% in 2023) and the trend is forecasted to grow to 81.4% by 2045, according to NFDA’s 2023 Cremation and Burial Report. While cremation is still a top preference for Baby Boomers (66%), Gen X (50%) and Millennials (42%) – and half of all Americans overall – Gen Z stands alone with traditional burial as its top preference (37%).
• Importance of funerals: Americans strongly agree funerals provide time to reflect on another’s life (59%) and are for the living to help them grieve and heal (57%). What’s more, 68% of Gen Z believe it’s important to commemorate the life of a loved one with a funeral or memorial service compared to 44% of Baby Boomers.
• Comfort with the idea of death: According to the survey,2 in 3 adults (69%) are at least somewhat comfortable thinking about their own eventual death and 7 in 10 (73%) are at least somewhat comfortable talking with others about death. More Baby Boomers (33%) are comfortable thinking about their mortality than Gen Z (24%) and Millennials (28%).
• Communicating preferred funeral plans: Nearly two-thirds of adults (62%) have discussed their preferred funeral plans with family members. Similarly, 64% have had family members communicate their preferred plans to them. Baby Boomers (75%) are most likely to have shared plans while Gen Z (59%) are most likely to have not communicated their funeral plans.

To access the free download and additional free resources for discussing end-of-life plans, including checklists and brochures, visit RememberingALife.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
National Funeral Directors Association

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

Make back-to-school shopping fun and easy

(Family Features) Picking out new clothes and shoes, and gathering notebooks, pens, pencils and other supplies is part of the annual back-to-school tradition, but there are other important tools to consider for the classroom – and beyond – when the school bells signal the start of a new year.

This year, make sure your students have everything needed to make the grade with must-haves like the latest tech, on-the-go snacks and tools for organizing and securing valuables, lunches and other supplies on-the-go.

Find these ideas, plus more ways to simplify back-to-school shopping, at eLivingtoday.com.

Reward Your Student with an Energizing Snack

Fuel up for homework time and after-school activities with a back-to-school snack hack like Sabra Snackers. The pre-portioned snacks make snack time easy by providing a single serving of creamy, delicious hummus served with pretzel crisps or chips. Containing 10 grams of protein (11% Daily Value), Smart Snackers are a perfect way to give your student an A+ treat that makes the grade both on flavor and convenience. After long days in the classroom, they’re an ideal way to reward all that hard work. Find more back-to-school snacking solutions and nutrition information at sabra.com.

Secure, Convenient, On-the-Go Valuables Storage

Built to provide premium protection for smartphones, cameras, keys, cash, jewelry and more, the Master Lock 5900D Portable Safe keeps items secure whether on or off campus. It features durable construction made to withstand everyday use and is water resistant, so students can lock up valuables using their own combination for keyless convenience. The cable can wrap tightly to the safe then be securely fixed around an object or used as a carrying handle. Shock-absorbing foam lines the storage area and an ear bud or charging cable access port offers on-the-go convenience. Find more information at MasterLock.com.

Pack Hassle-Free Lunches with an Eco-Friendly Lunchbox

Designed for variety and versatility at mealtime, the PlanetBox Rover Stainless Steel Lunchbox is an eco-friendly solution that makes packing school lunches easy. It has four main compartments and one spot that holds a treat plus two leak-proof containers for “wet” foods. It’s perfect for small portion sizes and keeps foods separated for picky eaters. Start by filling the larger, sandwich-sized compartment with the main dish then add fresh fruit, veggies and other snacks to the smaller compartments. This durable lunchbox is built to last, dishwasher safe and toxin-free (no lead, PVC, phthalates or BPA materials). Visit PlanetBox.com for more information.

Select a Stylish, Sturdy Mobile Organization Accessory

A reliable backpack is a must-have for every student. It’s not just a stylish accessory, but also a practical tool for carrying textbooks and school supplies. When choosing a backpack, look for features like padded shoulder straps, built-in organizational tools and multiple compartments – including padded ones for laptops or other electronic devices – to help distribute weight evenly and keep belongings organized. Additionally, select one that reflects your personal preferences. From classic designs to trendy patterns, there are nearly options available to suit students from kindergarten to college.

Enjoy a Seamless Audio Experience

Whether you’re listening to music during your commute, participating in online classes or working on multimedia projects, headphones are an essential school supply for many students in today’s digital age. To enhance your learning experience, choose headphones that provide noise cancellation, comfort, durability and superior sound quality. Over-ear headphones typically provide better sound isolation and are more comfortable for extended use, but in-ear headphones provide ultra-portable convenience. Decide which type best suits your needs best and choose a color or pattern that also reflects your personal style.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (kids in classroom)
Photos courtesy of Unsplash (backpack, headphones)

SOURCE:
Sabra

Master Lock

Planet Box

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

5 Ways to Be Environmentally Conscious at Home

(Family Features) Being environmentally conscious doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, by making simple changes to your daily routine, you can make a positive impact on the planet while also saving money and living a more sustainable lifestyle.

Consider these practical ways to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the planet for future generations right from the comforts of your own home.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: This classic mantra is still relevant today. By reducing the amount of waste you produce, reusing items whenever possible and recycling materials like paper, plastic and glass, you can help minimize the amount of trash that ends up in landfills and oceans. Composting food scraps and avoiding single-use plastic items like water bottles and shopping bags can also help reduce your impact on the environment.

Conserve Energy: One of the biggest contributors to climate change is the burning of fossil fuels for energy. Simple steps like turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging electronics when they’re not in use, adjusting your thermostat to save on heating and cooling costs and using energy-efficient lightbulbs and appliances can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money in the long run.

Save Water: Water is a precious resource, and it’s important to use it wisely. Simple actions like fixing leaky faucets, taking shorter showers, using the dishwasher or washing machine only when full and watering your garden in the early morning or late evening can help conserve water and protect the water supply. You can also install low-flow showerheads and toilets to further reduce water usage.

Choose Sustainable Products: When shopping for household items, look for products made from sustainable materials that are biodegradable or recyclable. Choosing products with minimal packaging or opting for eco-friendly alternatives can help reduce waste.

Grow Your Own Food: If you have the space, consider starting a small garden at home. Growing your own fruits, vegetables and herbs allows you to enjoy fresh, organic produce while also reducing the carbon footprint of your food by cutting out the transportation and packaging involved in store-bought produce.

Find more tips for going green at home at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

Watch video to find out how!

SOURCE:
eLivingToday.com

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.