Can AI Help Us Live Longer?

OpenAI is working with a biotech startup to develop an AI model with the purpose of engineering stem cells. The goal is to effectively step back natural age at the molecular level to help us live longer. Replacing some of the body’s naturally failing cells associated with normal aging could delay the loss the functional efficiency, which leads to the cells making errors, which in turn lead to loss of health.

While the role of AI in science and medicine is not new, this method of applying research datasets toward “programming” biochemistry is. The field of research devoted to extending the duration of life is longevity science and focuses on therapeutic technologies intended to alter to the body in ways that allow it to reassume function closer to its original (more youthful) performance. 

In 2023, a human without major health issues can expect to live 85 years or more (compare age expectancy in 1900 — 32 years). Still, some 40 million people age 65+ will succumb to age-related diseases annually. Together with those who develop diseases commonly attributed to aging, average life expectancy on a global scale in 2021 was 71, with Covid’s influence, averaging out to 75 since.

How?

This research project’s goal is to reprogram a particular set of proteins called Yamanaka factors. Yamanaka factors are proteins that can build stem cells from skin cells and stem cells, you will recall, are the ones with superpowers allowing them to generate any tissue in the body.

Replacing some of a body’s original skin cells with with what would be, effectively, fresh new super powered cells could alleviate, at least partly, the wear of aging. At their healthiest, cells with less “mileage” make fewer errors than older cells do (such errors are a big source of a lot of our problems).Replacing older cells with stem cells could helps us avoid the failures of breakdown in organ function and overall physicality so common to aging; this natural process is known as homeostatic failure, and is a common state of the body’s declining efficiency. 

Homeostatic failure usually happens in a cascading decline, a domino effect of the body’s loss of ability to do its work of living. This failure can occur all at once or piecemeal, a system at a time, over years, resulting in an ultimately mortal total collapse.

The new research aims to eliminate one of the mechanisms of this “death cascade.”

Impact to death care?

Extrapolating a bit, chances are that this therapeutic intervention, should it be successful, would be expensive once it’s publicly available. It also seems likely to become the sort of thing to catch on as a type of “youth elixir” that could at first have limited access but could turn into the next big thing. Would this mean an increase in “younger elderly” clients? If, eventually, this type of intervention becomes widely available (and affordable), could processing such older clients result in new challenges to death care? 

Even if a body is basically staying younger at the level of its very cells, presumably replacement with new parts cannot continue indefinitely; eventually even it will achieve the same end we all must. 

But one wonders whether such a trend might translate to preservation of key systems… the efficiency of the circulatory system, affecting embalming, for example, or other unforeseen effects; perhaps, say, strengthening bones to reduce fragility of remains.

Optimistically — if we can apply that word in this context — it almost seems possible that living longer, ironically, might make the work of death easier on the living.

Henrietta, NY funeral homes
have professional musicians accompanying them during funeral services. It depends on your family’s preferences and budget whether you choose an individual musician or a group of musicians. Funerals often feature live music performed by musicians, pianists, and singers. When selecting a musician, it is important to ensure that he or she appreciates both the instrument and the style.

Music is typically played during funerals and memorial services. There is no doubt that music plays an important role in many religious practices, regardless of religion. Music will enhance the meaning of your service. Six of them are listed below.

Provides a more personalized service

In honoring a loved one with music, we can honor their memory in a meaningful way. When music is played, memories and recollections are often evoked. It is possible to create an eloquently personalized service by choosing music that reflects the interests, hobbies, and life of the deceased. You might consider looking through the deceased’s personal music library or asking others for recommendations. You might ask them for recommendations for contemporary music, instrumental music, or a hymn.

Boosts Mood

Listening to music can actually be beneficial to you. The chemical dopamine is released whenever we hear music, which is a feel-good hormone. The right music can change your mood and attitude as well as mesmerize you. The benefits of listening to music extend beyond reducing tension, anxiety, or pain. Music can also ease depression and nausea, as well as regulate your pulse and heartbeat.

Creates An Emotional Connection

Music and memories are deeply connected emotionally. When we are having a tough time, we can be comforted by the sound of music. There is a strong connection between music, lyrics, and performers. Music allows us to process our feelings as we listen to it.

Brings Back Memories

As we journey through grief, music can enrich our memories of loved ones. We may have difficulty expressing our feelings after losing a loved one. When we listen to music and reflect on it, we may be able to gain a greater appreciation of life.

Music is a Communal Experience

Families and friends gather to celebrate life and death. Through music, we can achieve our common goals. Aside from listening, singing, or performing, you can observe music in a variety of ways.

Music is Even Better When it’s Live

Do any members of your family have musical backgrounds? Through the performance of a meaningful piece, you can facilitate healing and personalization. Hire a professional musician to enhance your service. Live music cannot be compared to a USB drive when it comes to emotional impact. Considering an enjoyable vocalist, a bugle that is authoritative, or a cello that is robust will help make your voice stand out. It will be invaluable to have their expertise as part of a sentimental day to make it more sophisticated. The music we listen to enhances our memories of our loved ones and our emotions. When we are grieving, we often find it difficult to express our feelings. Music can be used to express grief.

Those who have needed musicians for funerals can ask Henrietta, NY funeral homes for recommendations of reliable, talented, and tactful musicians who have performed for funerals before. You might also find a music store in your area that has someone in your area who fits your needs. We can help you select funeral
music if you need assistance.

Facebook is Deleting Your Funeral Live Streams – Here’s How to Save Them

As of February 19, 2025, Facebook has implemented a policy change that affects all users who utilize Facebook Live, including funeral homes that stream services for remote attendees. Live videos will now be automatically deleted 30 days after their broadcast. This change underscores the importance of promptly managing and preserving your live-streamed content to continue serving families effectively.

Why This Matters to Funeral Homes

Live-streaming services have become an essential offering, enabling friends and family who cannot attend in person to participate virtually. With Facebook’s new policy, these meaningful recordings will no longer be accessible after 30 days unless proactive steps are taken. This could impact families who wish to revisit the service or share it with others who couldn’t attend live.

Recommended Actions

To ensure your live-streamed services remain available for families, consider the following options:

• Download Individual Live Videos: After your stream ends, download the video directly from your profile or page within 30 days.
• Bulk Download Past Live Videos: Utilize Facebook’s bulk download tool to save multiple videos simultaneously. This can be done through the “Download Your Information” feature on your profile or business page.
• Transfer Videos to Cloud Storage: Facebook allows direct transfers of your live videos to cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive, providing a secure backup and easy access.
• Request a Six-Month Deferment: If immediate downloading isn’t feasible, you can request a six-month extension before deletion occurs.To initiate this, open the notification from Facebook regarding video deletion, tap “Learn more,” and select “Postpone.” Instructions: about.fb.com
• Create Short Clips for Reels: Before downloading or transferring, consider creating short clips from your live videos to share as Reels. This not only preserves key moments but also aligns with Facebook’s emphasis on short-form, engaging content.

Next Steps

It’s crucial to act promptly to prevent the loss of valuable content. Establish a routine process for downloading or transferring live videos after each service. Communicate with families about the availability window of these recordings and offer assistance in preserving them.

At DISRUPT Media, we specialize in helping funeral homes navigate changes in digital platforms and enhance their online presence. If you need assistance adapting to this new policy or developing a comprehensive digital strategy, we’re here to help.

Contact us today. Most funeral home marketing looks like someone just gave up. That’s not us. We provide full creative marketing solutions…with the effort.

NFDA Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar Returns with Hands-On Training and Live Demonstrations

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar is returning in 2025 with an exciting new format designed to provide embalmers with cutting-edge techniques and hands-on experience. Scheduled for May 7-9 at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, this premier seminar offers a unique opportunity to engage in live demonstrations on a donor body and interactive training using the exclusive Headzo models. Scholarships from the Funeral Service Foundation are available to help funeral service professionals attend this invaluable event. This immersive learning experience caters to embalmers of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned professionals. Led by industry experts, the seminar will feature dynamic sessions, including: 

• May 7 – Live Embalming and Lecture and Demonstration: Michael Burns, CFSP, dean of Faculty and Students, and Nicholas Ricci, an instructor at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, will lead attendees through live demonstrations of critical embalming techniques on a donor body, including arterial injection, cosmetics and restorative methods.
• May 8 and 9 – Live Demonstration and Application: Using Headzo models Burns and Ricci will guide participants through cranial reconstruction, restoration, cosmetic application and hair placement, offering valuable hands-on experience.
• May 8 – Embalming Risk Management: Chris Farmer, NFDA general counsel, will explore the legal risks embalmers encounter and provide strategies for minimizing liability exposure.
• May 9 – Ask the Experts Panel: A unique opportunity to engage directly with Burns, Ricci and Farmer, allowing attendees to gain deeper insights and address specific questions.

NFDA’s Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar always receives high marks from participants. A 2025 attendee shared, “All of the embalming sessions were excellent. I walked away with so many great ideas and tips. [It] sparked a thirst to try out new ideas.” Another noted, “I liked everything about the seminar. Very informational, hands-on and educational; the best part – I made a few new funeral director friends.” 

Scholarships Available 

Thanks to the generosity of its donors, the Funeral Service Foundation is providing five scholarships to attend the 2025 NFDA Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar. Valued at up to $1,450, each scholarship covers registration fees, two nights of lodging and a $500 travel stipend. Applicants must be licensed embalmers (NFDA membership not required). To learn more and apply by March 28, visit NFDA.org/EmbalmingSeminar. Applicants will be notified of their status by early-April. 

Register Early and Save! 

Registration for the 2025 NFDA Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar is now open and the early-bird pricing is available through April 24. Participants may choose to attend the live embalming demonstration on May 7, the hands-on Headzo training on May 8-9, or both! Participants are encouraged to register early; seating is limited to just 70 participants for the Headzo demonstration. To secure a spot, visit NFDA.org/EmbalmingSeminar or call 800-228-6332. Several hotels are located near the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science; attendees may visit NFDA.org/EmbalmingSeminar for recommendations and to book a room. NFDA is grateful to the Heritage Club, The Dodge Company and Frigid Fluid for their support of this seminar. 

The Profession’s Best Embalming and Restorative Art Resources 

NFDA offers a wide range of education and resources to help funeral service professionals practice embalming with a high degree of excellence. On March 12, NFDA will host Navigating the First Solo Embalming: Bridging the Information Gap for Apprentices as part of its Level Up Learning Webinar series. This presentation by Damon de la Cruz guides apprentices through key challenges like fluid selection, dilution and injection site choices. Leveraging the experience of seasoned embalmers, attendees will learn strategies for tackling challenges head-on and insights into the decision-making processes experienced embalmers use. Level Up Learning Webinars are free for NFDA members and $79 for nonmembers. Funeral professionals can register online at NFDA.org/Events or by calling 800-228-6332. The 2025 NFDA International Convention & Expo, taking place October 26-29 in Chicago, Illinois, will feature a preconvention embalming seminar and multiple education sessions covering technical skills. Look for full details when registration for the NFDA Convention opens in the spring.   NFDA offers several online learning courses focused on technical skills. Courses cover a variety of topics and enable funeral professionals to boost their skills wherever and whenever they have Internet access. A full list of courses can be found on the NFDA website, NFDA.org/OLC. NFDA’s collection of legal forms, available exclusively to members at NFDA.org/LegalForms,  includes several forms related to preparation, including embalming authorization forms, embalming affidavits, embalming report forms and more. NFDA developed two consumer brochures, Embalming: Answers to Your Questions and The Value of Viewing the Body of Your Loved One, to help families understand the embalming process, the value of viewings and visitations as part of end-of-life rituals, and answer common questions. The brochures can be ordered through the NFDA Resource Store, NFDA.org/Store, or by calling 800-228-6332. Funeral directors may also want to encourage families they serve to visit NFDA’s consumer-facing website, RememberingALife.com, which serves as a guide to honoring a life well-lived, from planning a tribute to mourning a loved one. The site offers guidance on how to start the planning process, the kinds of decisions families will make, and the many options available to make a tribute personal and meaningful. The site highlights service options, including embalming and the value of viewing; details about cremation and burial; and prefunding options. About NFDA NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit NFDA.org. 

I’ve talked about the book, Megatrends, by John Naisbitt before.  It was published in 1982 and sold 14 million copies and after reading it about the time it was written, its “Social Forecasting”, and my belief in that concept, played a major role in building my funeral business and other businesses I was involved in.

I became a huge believer in Naisbitt’s trends and bought hook, line, and sinker that I should incorporate them into how I made decisions to move my business forward.  For instance, one of those trends was moving from “Centralized” leadership to “Decentralized” leadership or another was moving from “Hierarchies” (a pyramid structure with few at the top) to “Networking” (every employee gets a say).

Here is a summary of Naisbitt’s “Megatrends” that will move society.  Remember, these were written in 1982.

This might sound strange today, but in 1982  centralizing the leadership and then giving commands to employees was the way business was done. . . .and generally the owners of companies joined the business clubs like Kiwanis and Rotary with the business paying their dues and membership fees and the employees generally were not involved in those business clubs.

Reading Megatrends gave me two initiatives that greatly brought my business positive momentum. . . First of all, I changed from a “Centralized and Hierarchal” system of making arrangements whereby the owner made the arrangements and was on the front line with the families and then ordered employee funeral directors on how to handle the funeral to a “Decentralized and Networking” process whereby all funeral directors made arrangements and dealt with families. . . Each funeral director made their own decisions, without having to ask the owner, on how the funeral service would go.

Secondly, I made available a pool of money for all employees, not just the owner, to join business or social clubs at the company’s expense within the dicatates of Internal Revenue rules.  And, followed up by giving employees time off from the facility to attend the functions that their club(s) was/(were) busy with.

Those decisions sound like a simple smart business modus operandi today, but it was not how things happened in the early 1980’s.  Especially, in small family operated businesses. . . It was generally the owner out front taking credit and the funeral director employees in the back room doing the work.  It’s just the way it was. . . . When I think of that time I cannot help but think of the cartoon classic “The Jetson’s” and the relationship between Mr. Spacely, owner of “Spacely Sprockets” and his employee George Jetson. . . or of the relationship on the 1960’s “sitcom” Bewitched between the boss Mr. Larry Tate and his employee Darin Stevens.

That gets me to another of Naisbitt’s Megatrends that is still taking place today.  He had the incredible insight to realize that our society would move at some point in time to an “Information Society” – after our country had passed through an agriculture society, an industrial society, and a technolgical society.  Here’s what Naisbitt said back in 1982 about “Information”:

“Information is an economic entity because it costs something to
produce, and because someone is willing to pay for it. Value is
whatever people are willing to pay. If an economy built around
information seems less real than one built around steel &
automobiles, it doesn’t matter so long as people are willing to pay
for information.

In the 1930s, society became organized around the automobile.
All that the automobile contributed was transportation. Today’s
society is becoming organized around the computer, which has
an orientation to expand your brain power through growth,
education and learning. The computer age will deal with
conceptual space, connected by electrons as opposed to
physical space connected by the motorcar.”

In my opinion we are continuing to live in that “Information” society today. . . .and relying on it to a greater and greater extend each day.  As we continue to move forward consumers are showing a greater reliance each day on “Information” when they make their consumer purchases.

For instance, my wife and I spend three months each winter in South Florida.  We still don’t know the area that well, but when we want to do something like go to a movie theatre, we get all the “information” that we can get through “conceptual space” on our computer or mobile phone without moving through “physical” space.  Here’s what we do:

1. Look on a map to see where theatres are located in relation to where we are at.
2. Once we locate theatres we look to see what movies are playing there.
3. Once we find the movie that we like, we look for specific times that fit our schedule.
4. Once we are satisfied, we look for seats, pricing, and then purchase our ticket.

Now, we are ready to go.  However, think if the movie theatre you owned didn’t have a website or did not put the movies and times that they were offered on that website your theatre, regardless how wonderful it is, would not be chosen.  I can guarantee you that we would have skipped right over your theatre because we are no longer comfortable or see value in going through the efforts to call or drive by your theatre when we can make other choices from the comfort of our home chair.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

It’s my opinion that that is exactly what is happening and will continue to happen at a higher occurence rate to death care providers that do not offer enough “information” on their website. . . and that includes pricing.  While I don’t agree that the federal government should mandate website pricing as a consumer protection, I do believe it is in a funeral home’s best interest to put pricing on their website on a voluntary basis.

I’ve gotten stronger with my belief on this subject and every time I write something like this I will get a couple of emails from funeral directors who tell me they like having potential clients call them so they can explain what they do, how it benefits the client family, and how they charge for it.  They tell me that “many times the consumer will tell me that even though those prices are a little higher than what I saw online, I like the personal touch and will be coming to your funeral home because of that.”

I don’t doubt that that happens because it happened at my funeral home exactly the same way. . . . What I’m concerned about today as we get more and more into the “Information” society is that for every call you get like that, you probably have a dozen potential clients who, like me with my movie example, have passed you by because they did not see the “information” that they wanted on your website and were not willing to call or drive over because it was so simple to find their answers on competitor’s websites.

Here’s an article from Forbes that I found while doing this article entitled, “What John Naisbitt taught me about the Future“.  I found it interesting and also found this Naisbitt quote in it which I think explains why you should look at consumer trends, like online pricing, for your funeral home business modus operandi:

“Trends, like horses, are easier to ride in the direction they are going.”

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

Live Oak Bank: A Trusted Partner for Funeral Homes

Live Oak Bank is not just a lender; it’s a partner that truly understands the unique needs of funeral homes, offering more than just financial support.

Tailored Financial Solutions

Live Oak is committed to providing the right amount of support without overwhelming its clients. Tim Bridgers, head of Funeral Home Lending at Live Oak, highlights their careful approach: “We’re not trying to hurt the seller and we’re not trying to hurt the buyer… if we fund this loan right and it’s too much leverage for the business based on the cash flow, then we’re really setting that business owner up for failure in the future.” This philosophy ensures that funeral homes receive financial assistance tailored to their specific needs and capacities.

Beyond Loans: Comprehensive Support

Live Oak offers a wide range of services to help funeral homes manage their finances efficiently and plan for future growth. From operating accounts to high-yield savings options, Live Oak aims to be a one-stop financial partner. This approach helps funeral homes maintain financial health and prepare for long-term success.

A Partnership Based on Understanding and Trust

Choosing Live Oak means partnering with a bank that has a deep understanding of the funeral service sector. “It’s important for a funeral home owner to have a banking relationship with a bank that understands their business,” Tim explains. This insight allows Live Oak to offer personalized advice and solutions, ensuring that funeral homes have the tools they need to thrive.

Commitment to Transparency

Live Oak’s approach is grounded in transparency and a dedication to the success of its clients. Tim Bridgers emphasizes the bank’s ethos: “Our level of transparency comes from… the non-commission based environment that we have here.” This non-commission-based model ensures that all advice and services provided by Live Oak are in the best interest of the funeral home, fostering a relationship built on trust and mutual success.

Conclusion

Live Oak Bank stands out as more than just a lender; it is a dedicated partner to funeral homes. With a focus on tailored financial solutions, comprehensive support, and a commitment to understanding and transparency, Live Oak Bank helps funeral homes navigate their financial journey and achieve their long-term goals.