Posts tagged with "SWNS"

Above, today's seniors are redefining retirement. (Chart source: ClearMatch Medicare/SWNS)

Moving away when retiring? Most seniors believe that idea is outdated.

November 6, 2023

Two in five seniors claim they’ll “never” move out of their house. A survey of 2,000 Americans age 65+ found that 49% believe that the idea that people need to move away when they retire is outdated and 41% aren’t planning on leaving their current home any time soon, reports SWNS.

An astounding 95% of respondents either are already retired or plan to do so—and, of those respondents, only 29% already have or will adjust their living arrangements. One-third of those (33%) downsized their space; while others moved closer to family (28%), to a quieter area (28%), or to a warmer climate (25%).

If given the opportunity to relocate anywhere, 29% would head to the Southern United States, while an almost equal amount (27%) would stay where they’re at.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of ClearMatch Medicare, the survey revealed that 75% of seniors would rather live in their own home than move into an assisted living community (11%) or in with family (10%).

The top reasons for staying in their home include being able to care for themselves (73%), liking their independence (72%), and enjoying their home (64%). Others enjoy being familiar with their neighborhood (46%), like their current community (42%), and don’t want to leave family behind (24%).

Beyond that, other seniors would miss their friends (25%), local businesses (16%), and even their doctor (15%).

“Today’s seniors are redefining retirement, and their strong desire to remain in their own homes reflects a shift in what we thought traditional retirement to mean,” reflected Ben Pajak, CEO of ClearMatch Medicare, a part of HealthPlanOne. “The survey results speak volumes about their determination to age in place, emphasizing the importance of independence, familiarity, and community connections.”

Research contact: @SWNS

Above, a study of 2,000 millennials found that 65% don’t feel confident when it comes to face-to-face social situations. (Photo source: SWNS)

Young Americans lack key social skills, avoid the phone, and fear small talk

September 27, 2023

Young Americans are losing the art of conversation, as nearly two out of three admit they are lacking in social skills, reports SWNS.

Based on the findings of a new study of 2,000 Millennials conducted by One Poll and commissioned by Don Pablo Coffee, from avoiding the phone at work to a fear of making small talk on the street, 65% don’t feel confident when it comes to face-to-face social situations.

In fact, two in five millennials believe that their lack of social skill has held them back in their work, while a similar number (39%) think it has caused problems for them within friendships.

That isn’t helped by the fact that 68% admit they actively avoid talking face-to-face if they can—with talking to people they don’t know in public and work colleagues the most dodged interactions.

It follows then that a resounding 80% of Millennials feel they are often more vocal or able to express themselves in text or online than they are in person.

Only 7% say that they most commonly keep in touch with friends by talking on the phone, and 9% mainly stay in touch in person. The vast majority claim their main form of contact with friends is on social media or via text.

Forty percent of Millennials confess that they often find themselves awkward or uncomfortable if having to make small talk.In fact, the average respondent says that he or she has had four awkward social experiences in the last three months.

The survey also shows that young Americans cancel or don’t attend about 30% of the events they’re invited to attend out of fear it’ll be awkward socially.

“The age of social media is supposed to have made us more connected with each other—and while that is partly true, it also has helped lead to a generation of people less comfortable with face-to-face interactions,” says Darron ‘Don Pablo’ Burke, grower and roaster of Don Pablo Coffee.

“The data even show that plenty of young people are so uncomfortable with these interactions that they will back out of plans or go out of their way to avoid others.”

“But it isn’t too late,” Burke adds. “Hopefully some will use this as a wake-up call to get out there and participate in the real world. You may find that meeting with a friend or co-worker for a cup of coffee may not be as awkward as you first thought.”

The main reason cited for lacking certain social skills and face to face talking was simply preferring to text and chat online, followed by a lack of practice. Fully 62% percent feel a sense of dread while speaking on the phone to clients and customers at work.

In an attempt to get over their dread of socializing and improving their skills, 42% of the survey respondents have even practiced their social skills alone in front of a mirror.

The survey finds that four in ten believe the art of conversation is dead, with most people blaming a reliance on technology and social media. Three-quarters say that the fact that they no longer have to engage in face-to-face or over-the-phone conversations because of smartphones and social media has led to the decline of their social skills.

“While it’s clear that social media has placed many hurdles in the way, the survey also proves that many would love to improve on their social skills,” says Burke.

“Get your social life off the screen and out in the open and you might find improvements not only in that regard, but also in other areas of your life. Start small by enjoying a conversation over a cup of coffee.”

Research contact: @SWNS

Above, from left to right, 'Barbiefied' Princess Kate, Prince William, and President Joe Biden. (Photo source: Duncan Thomsen)

In the pink: AI gives droll Barbie and Ken makeovers to Princess Kate, Prince William, and Joe Biden

July 25, 2023

Your favorite celebrities and politicians—“Barbified.” Ever wonder what Joe Biden would look like in a Barbie World? You’re in luck: An enterprising film editor is cashing in on the rabid “Barbie” movie craze by giving the U.S. president and other A-listers Mattel-inspired makeovers with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI), reports the New York Post.

“I absolutely loved making these photos—I was laughing the whole way through,” freelancer Duncan Thomsen, 53, said of his star-studded AI “Barbiefication” campaign.

The U.K. native, who is a “big fan of Ryan Gosling,” told South West News Service he was inspired to transform celebs into Barbies and Kens considering the hype surrounding Greta Gerwig’s much-anticipated live action film, which dropped on Friday, July 21, in movie theaters across America.

Also, “who wouldn’t love a Barbie makeover?” Thomsen declared.

To bring famous figures to life in simulated plastic, the digital wizard turned to scarily sophisticated AI software Midjourney, which responds to user prompts and commands—and generates pics by cross-referencing billions of online images.

This process took some time as AI— despite rendering us obsolete in every sector from academia to life partners— requires super specific commands with an “absolute description,” Thomsen explained.

Thankfully, the freelancer’s project paid dividends as he was able to create a variety of celebrity doll-ppelgangers.

Perhaps the highlight was U.S. Commander-in-Chief Joe Biden reimagined as Ken with the trademark fufu pink regalia, six pack abs, and a pink car.

“When has an American president ever had a six pack on show before?” chortled Thomsen, who gave a similar treatment to former U.S. President Barack Obama. (Barack Obarbie?)

AI might not be able to replace our leaders yet, but it can give them a helluva makeover.

Others include former UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher gussied up in a pink pantsuit and a Barbie version of Princess of Wales Kate Middleton that looked like the royal was cursed by a palm reader she’d spurned.

On the plus side it looked more lifelike than Middleton’s facsimile at the Krakow Wax Museum.

“What you want to do is capture the person or place’s unique essence; then, bring the Barbie features in. That’s when it starts to looks really good,” described Thomsen.

He also used digital software to turn real world buildings into a Barbie Dreamhouse.

The Brit summed it up like this: “Creating these images is great fun, so I thought I’d give everyone a dash of pink and ‘Barbie up’ the whole world.”

Unfortunately, not all AI-generated images are so fun and frivolous. In the past, hyper-realistic generative tech had been used for nefarious purposes—from faking images of President Trump getting arrested by the police to creating pics of a Pentagon explosion (the latter of which resulted in a brief stock selloff).

esearch contact: @nypost

Photo source: Happier Human

Alive and kicking: Why are seniors avoiding the doctor?

April 3, 2023

One in four seniors hates going to the doctor so much that he or she would rather sweat through a whole summer without air conditioning than visit a physician (27%), reports SWNS.

A survey of 2,000 people 64 and older, commissioned by ClearMatch Medicare and conducted by OnePoll, also has found that, rather than seeing their medical practitioners, seniors would let their spouse make all decisions in the home for a weekend (35%).

While many feel optimistic and calm when visiting the doctor (40%, each), one-third admitted they feel anxious (34%) and afraid (31%)—although they wouldn’t admit this to others in their lives (64%). What’s more, on an emotional level, 41% feel unheard or as if their doctor doesn’t care; while 38% are worried about hearing their doctor’s diagnoses/feedback.

Two in three respondents haven’t been to the doctor in over a year because they don’t like to, or because they can’t afford it (28%, each).

Indeed, to steer clear of a doctor’s office, other respondents said they’d:

Do the dishes immediately after they eat for a week (34%);
Talk to their least favorite relative for an evening (33%), or
Opt to live on a deserted island for three days (27%).

Costs play a large role since the lowest copayment the average senior remembers ever paying was around $38, but now each visit costs about $62, with half paying even more than this (49%).

What else makes seniors uncomfortable at the thought of going to the doctor? Many are still squeamish when it comes to bloodwork or vaccines, with more respondents agreeing they’d plan as many as possible on one day to get them over with, rather than space them out to have time in between (50% vs. 33%).

“Finding a doctor you trust can be an uncomfortable and even scary process,” explains ClearMatch Medicare (a part of HealthPlanOne) CEO, Ben Pajak. “When looking for a new Medicare Advantage plan, it’s important to let your agent know you want a plan that includes your current doctors, to ensure your care is uninterrupted and provide you with peace of mind.”

Finding the right doctor is top of mind for the three in five who prioritize seeing someone they’re comfortable with, with the average senior needing to visit their doctor six times before they trust them.

Seniors also consider other factors when setting up an appointment, like preparing for what the doctor may find (59%) and the costs that will be associated with the visit (51%).

And seniors aren’t just avoiding their primary care doctor—seven in 10 haven’t been to the dentist in over a year (71%); and 57% have put off seeing a specialist, with cost being a top factor for both.

“No one should put off seeing their doctors, especially mature adults,” says HealthPlan Creative Director Lynn Cicchelli. “It’s important to find a Medicare plan that includes your doctors in-network to help keep costs down.”

Research contact: @SWNS

Above, Geoff Banks and Celesta Byrne, when they met for the first time in 2002. (Photo source: SWNS)

British man and American woman, both 100, have been pen pals since 1938: ‘She’s always been there’

December 6, 2022

Friends for life: Although there has almost always been a pond between them, Geoff Banks, who is from England, and Celesta Byrne, who is from the United States, have been writing to each other since 1938, according to SWNS.

According to a report by People magazine, “I honestly struggle to remember how we got in touch, but I was talking to Celesta recently and I think it was something to do with an American school’s scheme,” Banks, a former engineer, explains. “They matched us up with Americans for a pen pal relationship, and somehow I ended up with this letter from an American girl, and we just kept corresponding ever since,” he added.

But, after decades of sending letters overseas, the pair—who both turned 100 this year—now rely on emails and Zoom calls.

“Now of course she is partially sighted, so I correspond mainly by email,” Banks says. “Email is much easier for me these days, too, because I can’t write very well anymore.”

Video chatting is an even newer development.,”I have this new thing called Zoom, I think, now to chat with her, but I leave all the technology to younger people. They’re much better at pressing all the buttons,” he remarks.

One thing that’s never changed over the years is their unique bond.”She’s a very interesting person,” Banks told the BBC. “We exchange stories and she’s very good to talk to.”

He added, “Celeste has had a number of children and unfortunately lost one recently, so we chat about family too.”

However, there is one topic that’s off limits. “We don’t discuss the football,” he said.

As for whether there was ever any spark between the pair, Byrne, who lived in New Jersey but has since moved to Texas to be near her family, shut down any questions of romance. “No, we’re just friends, like people who live next door,” she told the BBC. “You ask how they’re doing, you say a few words and then you both go to work.”

Although they’ve only met in person two times—first in 2002 during a trip to New York and then again two years later—Banks says that his friendship with Byrne has always been something he can depend on—even when WWII made writing to each other difficult.

“She’s always been there to write to, even if it was just birthday cards and Christmas cards,” he told SWNS.

Speaking with the BBC he noted that it’s been a “source of great satisfaction to write to her for over all these years.”

Research contact: @people

Photo source: @talking_furkids/#sleepingwithpets/Instagram

This is the best snuggle buddy, according to new research

May 10, 2022

Six in ten people would rather snuggle up to their pet than to a partner, new research suggests. In fact, a recent survey of 2,000 pet owners found that 61% would prefer to share their couch or bed with their pet than with their significant other, reports, SWNS.

The reason? Two-thirds said their pet is usually a cleaner and quieter companion.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Lovesac ahead of National Comfy Day last February 20, the survey also found that four in ten reported a higher quality of sleep when sharing their sofa or bed with their pet, likely because their fur pal doesn’t wake up to use the bathroom (59%) or disturb their slumber by snoring (53%).

The poll also hinted at a nation divided—with half saying they’d never allow their pet on their couch. However, 77% of people would reconsider with older couches, and 65% would do so if their couch had washable covers.

“It’s important to consider the needs of everyone in the household, including your pets, but this can be challenging when it comes to furniture,” said Shawn Nelson, Lovesac’s CEO and founder. “Choosing a durable couch with machine-washable covers and replaceable cushions will save you a lot of time worrying about potential repairs or tough stains.”

Respondents also noted that their pets seem to get better sleep than they do, especially dogs (75% vs. 65% of cats). Half (51%) of pets forgo their regular bed in favor of a carpet or rug, while 37% nap on a table. Twenty-nine percent of fur pals have also gotten cozy on the laundry.

And people sometimes do the same. In fact, about as many people (30%) have used laundry as a bed. While 51% have slept or napped on their couch, others admitted to catching some Zs in more unconventional places, including a carpet or rug (44%), and a table or desk (36%).

Overall, the average respondent spends 41 minutes a week sleeping or napping somewhere other than their bed, most commonly their couch, with more than half saying that’s their preferred napping spot.

More than half (52%) of respondents say their pet has damaged their couch and 69% of those were forced to throw it away due to the damage.

What makes a couch more comfortable than other pieces of furniture? Having an ideal level of softness (34%) and an optimal height (23%), according to most respondents.

“A good couch should be washable, changeable and rearrangeable so that you can relax, nap or catch up on our favorite series without worry.” Nelson added. “That’s what comfort is all about.”
Research contact: @SWNS

Above, Vietnamese potbellied pig Francisco, 4, and his fine-feathered friend Alice. (Photo source: SWNS)

Hen party: U.K. pig befriends rescue chicken who loves to give him back scratches

February 22, 2022

A giant pig that lives in a house has a new best friend—a hen that had to be moved indoors due to an avian flu lockdown, reports People magazine.

Both animals currently live at Tribe Animal Sanctuary in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Vietnamese potbellied pig Francisco, 4, moved to the U.K. rescue habitat after his former owner—a teenage girl who got the pet for her birthday—could no longer care for him after he grew beyond his supposed “micropig” size.

Morag Sangster, who runs Tribe Animal Sanctuary, lets him run the house along with her four dogs, as reported by SWNS.

Alice the hen arrived at the sanctuary after Sangster rescued her from life on a battery farm used for fast food production. Then, last November, Alice moved from the sancutary’s outdoor area to the inside of the conservatory, in order to avoid an outbreak of avian flu. Alice’s lockdown forced the chicken to live with Francisco. Luckily, the hen and pig became unlikely best friends.

Alice quickly became one of Francisco’s favorites thanks to her pig backscratches, which she conducts by standing on the swine and stretching her claws.”I think all pigs love to have scratches on their back Sanagster told SWNS, adding, “Alice will jump on Francisco’s back, and you can tell he likes it.”

The two-year-old hen will eventually be allowed to move back outside, but Stranger believes that she will choose to spend her time indoors to be near Francisco.

However, one way or another, neither of them will be at a loss for company: Tattoo artist Sangster and her partner John Ryan also have four Highland cows, seven pigs, 50 sheep, three donkeys, seven goats, five geese, five turkeys, and 60 hens under their care.

“We like to see animals as fun-loving creatures, there’s no difference between pets and livestock,” Sangster said of her full house.

Research contact: @people

Above, Norman Rockwell's famous holiday painting. (Photo source: Library of Congress)

Most Americans say they’re banning unvaccinated family members from holiday gatherings

November 15, 2021

The holidays are about to get heated. Nearly two-thirds of vaccinated Americans have banned unvaccinated family members from their holiday gatherings this year, according to findings of a new poll, reports SWNS.

A survey of 2,000 U.S. residents—conducted by OnePoll on November 2—examined how the COVID-19 vaccine has impacted people’s relationships with their loved ones ahead of the holidays this year.

Based on the results, nearly seven in 10 respondents (67%) said they feel they cannot go home for the holidays without getting vaccinated first.

Of the 65% who are fully vaccinated, 6 in 10 (58%) have reportedly cut off family members who refuse to get vaccinated, while 63% don’t feel comfortable inviting unvaccinated relatives to their parties.

Seventy-two percent of vaccinated respondents don’t think they could ever get some of these family members to understand the importance of the vaccine.

In fact, 14% of survey respondents don’t plan to ever get the shot themselves.

When asked about their decision, one respondent shared that they “don’t trust the vaccine is safe,” while another said they were “concerned about side effects.”

One even admitted believing the vaccine “was rushed and people who are getting vaccinated are still getting sick.”

Half of unvaccinated respondents (49%) have stopped communicating with family members who don’t understand why they refuse the shot.

These strained family dynamics may explain why 22% of unvaccinated respondents have so far been excluded from all family gatherings, including the holidays.

However, 38% of unvaccinated people said they remain in contact with their vaccinated loved ones, and 58% of the same group added that they’re still welcome at family get-togethers.

Research contact: @SWNS

Above, Fedya, a Russian cat with his own Instagram account, has garnered a shocking amount of followers on social media. (Photo source: @fedja_kot/Instagram)

Posts tagged with "SWNS"

Moving away when retiring? Most seniors believe that idea is outdated.

In the pink: AI gives droll Barbie and Ken makeovers to Princess Kate, Prince William, and Joe Biden

Alive and kicking: Why are seniors avoiding the doctor?

British man and American woman, both 100, have been pen pals since 1938: ‘She’s always been there’

This is the best snuggle buddy, according to new research

Hen party: U.K. pig befriends rescue chicken who loves to give him back scratches

Most Americans say they’re banning unvaccinated family members from holiday gatherings

Russian cat makes shocking impression, with 31K followers on Instagram

‘Putting on the dog’: Chihuahua beauty pageant gets more than 800 costumed participants