Science Care newsletter

It’s not difficult to understand the appeal of owning a pet with their endless snuggles, unconditional love, and steadfast presence. For aging adults, though, being apet parent can significantly improve their quality of life and even their health.

Keep reading for four reasons having a pet is powerful:

Socialize – While it can be difficult to start a conversation or push past your comfort zone to socialize, having a pet can lead to natural opportunities for connection. Taking a beloved dog to the dog park or setting up communal walks with other pet owners can be a great place to start.

Caregiving – There is great power in being a caregiver to another creature and having a pet has been proven to add value and meaning to their owners’ lives. In addition, committing to a pet is also a promise to be involved in another life.

Routine – While being a pet owner can add responsibility to your life, it’s not all bad. The act of providing daily care to a pet can give helpful structure and purpose to your life.

Health – The simple act of petting your animal can immediately decrease the stress hormone, cortisol. High levels of cortisol can cause fatigue, anxiety, high blood pressure, and much more. Taking care of a pet naturally adds more exercise to your routine, which can improve brain health, and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more.

If you’re interested in the many benefits of having a pet, read more here.

Founded in 2000, Science Care is the leading body donation authority in the world, and we set the industry standard that families have come to trust. We are proud of our commitment to the highest levels of safety and quality. Our work wouldn't be possible without the team that works tirelessly to ensure we honor donors' desire to leave a lasting legacy. In this feature, we will introduce you to Whitney Weimer, Science Care's Vice President of Client Services.

‍READ MORE: https://www.sciencecare.com/blog/meet-science-care-whitney-weimer ​​​​​​

Death can be a difficult subject to bring up. If you struggle to discuss your end-of-life plans with your family, you are not alone. It's hard to imagine a day in the future when someone you care deeply for is no longer with you. Creating a safe, open space with your loved ones to discuss end-of-life preferences is a gift to everyone involved. Our latest blog includes tips for starting this conversation with your loved ones. ​​​​​

READ MORE: https://www.sciencecare.com/blog/how-to-talk-to-your-loved-ones-about-death

Many are familiar with the concept of a birth doula, a trained professional who provides support during the labor and delivery process. Most don’t realize that there are doulas that provide support during a health-related experience, miscarriage, stillbirth or even death. It may feel counterintuitive to invite another professional into your space at the end of a loved one’s life, but end-of-life doulas help normalize and offer extensive support during the death care process. 
 

READ MORE: https://www.sciencecare.com/blog/end-of-life-care-death-doulas