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Researchers Find Pets May be One of the Most Powerful Wellbeing Tools for Solo Agers

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New Mather Institute Study Provides Insights into How Pet Ownership Can Dramatically Elevate Physical, Psychological and Social Wellbeing

EVANSTON, Ill., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the population of solo agers continues to grow and face risks of loneliness and isolation, pets are proving to serve as a vital, nontraditional support system to help improve healthspan and wellbeing.

A new study from Mather Institute provides evidence that older adults who are solo aging (i.e. who live alone and don’t regularly have family or friends to support them) may benefit from owning pets. Specifically, these pet-owning solo agers reported a range of benefits related to physical activity, wellbeing and healthspan, or the length of time a person is in good health and has a good quality of life, with some of the strongest differences observed among dog owners.

Pet ownership supports independence and bridges gaps in social connection, purpose and emotional support older adults often encounter. A key finding from the online survey of 900 solo agers aged 55 and better is how their pets help counter social isolation and loneliness.

Older adults aging alone are a fast-growing segment of the population, putting them at risk for loneliness and isolation. As adults age, their daily social connections and support systems can shrink as children build families of their own or friends move away. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, among individuals aged 65 to 74, 27% of women and 21% of men live solo, and these numbers soar to 43% and 24%, respectively, for those 75 and better. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that loneliness can increase a person’s risk for heart disease, depression and anxiety, dementia and earlier death.

Survey participant key findings:

Nearly half said pets help reduce loneliness, while a third said pets lead to more social interactions through activities such as daily walks and regular outdoor time.76% reported improved emotional wellbeing, 62% reported reduced stress and 45% reported increased physical activity.Participants said pets enrich daily life, providing a greater sense of purpose and structure.

Regular physical activity is one of the strongest predictors of healthspan, by preserving cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and mobility. Strong social relationships are also a powerful determinant of healthspan, linked to lower morality risk, slower biological aging and improved mental health.

“One of the things this research reminds us is that healthspan is about more than medical care,” said Jennifer Smith, vice president of Mather Institute. “Social connection, purpose and physical activity can make a world of difference – and pets can help support all three. Even a 10-minute walk with your dog can create opportunities to be active and connect with others. For many, pets also provide companionship and emotional support. We hope this report highlights the meaningful role a furry friend can play in aging well.”

Other notable findings from the pets and solo aging report include:

Dog owners reported the highest physical activity, scoring 42% higher than pet-free adults. Many cat owners describe frequent short bursts of movement, including feeding, play sessions and household routines, that encourage healthy daily habits.Solo agers without pets averaged the lowest weekly activity, highlighting how pets create opportunities for daily movement.Dog owners aged 55 to 64 reported fewer symptoms of depression and better overall wellbeing compared to cat owners.For those aged 75 and better, cat owners reported lower levels of depressive symptoms compared to their dog-owning peers.

“Having my two fur babies not only gives me joy but allows me to not feel alone,” said BrendaLea Abbott, 66, a Mather community programs participant. “Without them, I would be outside much less and would not have the connection with next-door neighbors or people strolling in my neighborhood. Even when my fur babies are not with me, they connect me to others as I purchase food, treats and toys and strike up conversations with pet owners in the pet store.”

The report also reveals age-related challenges pet owners face, including financial stress, time commitment and backup care worries. Drawing on these findings, Mather Institute recommends practical ways to enhance resources for older adults who choose pet companionship, including:

Designate trusted caregivers or shelters for emergency pet care. Community-based foster programs can provide short- or long-term solutions, ensuring pets are safe when owners face health crises.Choose the right pets that match energy levels, size and temperament of the pet owner’s lifestyle and health.Find volunteer-based programs that provide practical, hands-on help, from walking pets to assisting with vet visits.

The pets and solo aging study is just one of a series of studies conducted by Mather Institute to advance wellbeing and healthspan. Additional research topics have included the benefits of gardening for older adults, Generation X in the workplace and aging well across cultures.

To download this year’s full pets and solo aging report, visit MatherInstitute.com.

Mather has a free monthly online pet club for adults 55 and better where attendees discuss pet-related topics and learn new tips. For more information and to join, visit Mather.com. FOR CHICAGO ONLY: Chicago residents 55 and better can join Mather’s free PAW Packs program, which delivers monthly pet food directly to their doorstep. Since August 2025, Mather has donated more than 102,000 pounds to 1,600 older adult pet owners at no cost. For more information and to register, visit Mather.com.

About Mather

Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1941 that is dedicated to a vision of changing the way society views older adults. Mather creates Ways to Age WellSM through programs, places and residences for today’s older adults. These include developing and operating communities that support older adults in pursuing wellness and fulfillment; sparking creativity and connections for older adults in Chicagoland and beyond; and through Mather Institute, conducting research and incubating innovation to help all live and age well.

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SOURCE Mather

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OpenText Announces Pricing Terms and Results of Cash Tender Offer

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WATERLOO, ON, Sept. 30, 2026 /CNW/ — Open Text Corporation (“OpenText” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: OTEX), (TSX: OTEX) today announced the pricing terms and results of its previously announced tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) to purchase for cash up to $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 3.875% Senior Notes due 2028 (the “Bonds”) (subject to increase or decrease by the Company, the “Aggregate Maximum Tender Amount”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, dated September 23, 2026, as amended by the Company’s press release dated September 25, 2026 (the “Offer to Purchase”).

The “Tender Offer Consideration” for each $1,000 principal amount of the Bonds validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer was determined by reference to the fixed spread over the yield to maturity based on the bid side price of the reference U.S. Treasury Security as specified below, and will be payable to the registered holders (“Holders”) of the Bonds who validly tendered and did not validly withdraw their Bonds at or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 30, 2026 and whose Bonds are accepted for purchase by the Company. The reference yield (as determined pursuant to the Offer to Purchase) was determined at 3:00 p.m., New York City time, today, September 30, 2026, by the Dealer Managers (as defined below).

Payments for the Bonds purchased will include accrued and unpaid interest from and including the last interest payment date applicable to the Bonds up to, but not including, the settlement date for the Bonds accepted for purchase. The settlement date for the Bonds validly tendered on or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 30, 2026 (the “Expiration Date”) is expected to be October 2, 2026, two business days following the Expiration Date.

According to information received from Global Bondholder Services Corporation, the tender and information agent for the Tender Offer (the “Tender and Information Agent”), as of the Expiration Date, the Company had received valid tenders from the Holders of the Bonds that were not validly withdrawn as set forth in the table below.

Title of
Bonds

CUSIP/ISIN
Numbers1

Aggregate
Maximum
Tender
Amount

Principal
Amount
Tendered

Reference
U.S.
Treasury
Security

Fixed
Spread
(basis
points)

Reference
Yield

Tender Offer
Consideration2

3.875%
Senior
Notes due
2028

683715AC0
(144A) /
C69827AC4 
(Reg S)

US683715AC05
(144A) /
USC69827AC45
(Reg S)

$300,000,000

$697,563,000

4.250% U.S.
Treasury due
February 15,
2028

+50

4.773‌%

$981.71

No representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP/ISIN Numbers listed in this press release or printed on the Bonds. They are provided solely for the convenience of the Holders of the Bonds.For each $1,000 principal amount of Bonds validly tendered at or prior to the Expiration Date and accepted for purchase by the Company, which does not include accrued interest.

The Company will accept for payment the Aggregate Maximum Tender Amount of the validly tendered Bonds. The Bonds validly tendered will be subject to a proration factor of 43.047752%, with appropriate adjustments downward to the nearest $1,000 principal amount to avoid the purchases in principal amounts other than in integral multiples of $1,000.

Full details of the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer are described in the Offer to Purchase, which was sent by the Company to Holders of the Bonds. Holders of the Bonds are encouraged to read the Offer to Purchase as it contains important information regarding the Tender Offer.

As of the date of this press release, the Company expects to close its concurrent senior secured notes offering on October 1, 2026 and intends to use the net proceeds thereof, together with cash on hand, to fund, in the aggregate (i) the redemption in full of its outstanding 6.900% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 (the “2027 Notes”), including the payment of the applicable redemption premium, accrued and unpaid interest and related costs and expenses, and (ii) the consideration for any of the Bonds accepted for purchase in the Tender Offer, up to the Aggregate Maximum Tender Amount, plus accrued interest and related costs and expenses, both of which are expected to settle on October 2, 2026.

The Company has retained RBC Capital Markets, LLC and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. to serve as dealer managers (the “Dealer Managers”) for the Tender Offer. Global Bondholder Services Corporation has been retained to serve as the Tender and Information Agent for the Tender Offer. Questions regarding the Tender Offer may be directed to RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Attention: Liability Management Team, Phone: (212) 618-7843, Toll-Free: (877) 381-2099, Email: liability.management@rbccm.com, and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Attention: Liability Management Group, Toll Free: (800) 558-3745, Collect: (212) 723-6106, Email: ny.liabilitymanagement@citi.com. Requests for the Offer to Purchase may be directed to Global Bondholder Services Corporation at (212) 430-3774 (for banks and brokers only) and (855) 654-2014 (for all others toll-free), and by email at contact@gbsc-usa.com. Additionally, copies of the Offer to Purchase are available at the following webpage: https://www.gbsc-usa.com/opentext/.

The Company is making the Tender Offer only by, and pursuant to, the terms of the Offer to Purchase. None of the Company, the Dealer Managers, or the Tender and Information Agent makes any recommendation as to whether Holders of the Bonds should tender or refrain from tendering their Bonds. Holders of the Bonds must consult their own investment and tax advisors and make their own decisions as to whether to tender their Bonds and, if so, the principal amount of the Bonds to tender. The Tender Offer is not being made to Holders of the Bonds in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction in which the securities laws or blue sky laws require the Tender Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Tender Offer will be deemed to be made on behalf of the Company by the Dealer Managers, or one or more registered brokers or dealers that are licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any securities, including the senior secured notes, in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. The senior secured notes and the related guarantees were offered in the United States pursuant to Rule 144A (“Rule 144A”) and Regulation S (“Regulation S”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and were not offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act), except to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to certain persons in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.

This press release shall not constitute a notice of redemption under the indenture governing the 2027 Notes, and the redemption is subject to the conditions set forth in the applicable notice of redemption, including the financing condition described therein. Such notice has been made only in accordance with the provisions of the indenture governing the 2027 Notes. There can be no assurances as to whether the redemption will be effected as described above.

OTEX-F

About OpenText

OpenText™ is a global leader in data management for enterprise AI, helping organizations protect, govern, and activate their data with confidence. Our technologies turn data into information with context to form the knowledge base for enterprise AI.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may contain words considered forward-looking statements or information under applicable securities laws. These statements are based on OpenText’s current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections including about the previously announced and priced concurrent senior secured notes offering, the conditional redemption and the Tender Offer, and the operating environment, economies and markets in which OpenText operates. These statements are subject to important assumptions, risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and the actual outcome may be materially different. OpenText’s assumptions, although considered reasonable by OpenText at the date of this press release, may prove to be inaccurate and consequently its actual results could differ materially from the expectations set out herein. For additional information with respect to risks and other factors which could occur, see OpenText’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other securities filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other securities regulators. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, OpenText disclaims any intention or obligations to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Copyright © 2026 OpenText. All Rights Reserved. Trademarks owned by OpenText. One or more patents may cover this product(s).

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SOURCE Open Text Corporation

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Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery Announce Anticipated Closing Date of Paramount Merger

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NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Paramount Skydance Corporation (NASDAQ: PSKY) (“PSKY”) and Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBD) (“WBD” or “Warner Bros. Discovery”) today announced that the merger (the “Merger”) contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 27, 2026 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among WBD, PSKY and Prince Sub Inc., is expected to close on October 6, 2026 (the “Anticipated Closing Date”), subject to customary closing conditions.

As previously disclosed, at the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), each share of WBD common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than shares of WBD common stock to be canceled for no consideration in accordance with the Merger Agreement or as to which appraisal rights have been properly exercised) will be converted into the right to receive, without interest, an amount in cash equal to (x) $31.00 plus (y) (i) $0.00277778 multiplied by (ii) the number of calendar days elapsed after September 30, 2026 to and including the date on which the closing of the Merger occurs (the “Closing Date”). Accordingly, if the Closing Date occurs on the Anticipated Closing Date, at the Effective Time, each such share of WBD common stock will be converted into the right to receive, without interest, an amount in cash equal to $31.01666668.

About Warner Bros. Discovery

Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world’s most differentiated and complete portfolio of branded content across television, film, streaming and gaming. Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, HBO Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others.

About Paramount, a Skydance Corporation

Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY) is a leading, next‑generation global media and entertainment company, comprised of three business segments: Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. The Company’s portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS, CBS News, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, SHOWTIME®, Paramount+, Pluto TV, Skydance Animation, Film, Television, and Interactive/Games, and the newly established Paramount Sports Entertainment. For more information, please visit www.paramount.com.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this communication constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding WBD’s expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future, and can be identified by forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will” and “would” or similar words. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties and on information available to Warner Bros. Discovery as of the date hereof.

Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about the benefits of the Merger, future financial and operating results, the combined company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of WBD’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties outside of our control. Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those described in the forward-looking statements are the following: (1) the completion of the Merger may not occur on the anticipated terms and timing or at all; (2) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Merger; (3) risks that any of the closing conditions to the Merger may not be satisfied in a timely manner; (4) risks related to litigation brought in connection with the Merger; (5) risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the Merger; (6) effects of the announcement, pendency or completion of the Merger on the ability of WBD to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with suppliers, distributors, advertisers, content providers, vendors and other business partners, and on its operating results and business generally; (7) negative effects of the announcement or the consummation of the Merger on the market price of WBD common stock; (8) risks related to the potential impact of general economic, political and market factors on the companies or the Merger; (9) inherent uncertainties involved in the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of financial projections; (10) the ability to obtain or consummate financing or refinancing related to the Merger; and (11) the response of WBD or PSKY management to any of the aforementioned factors. WBD’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied, due to risks and uncertainties associated with its business, which include the risks related to the Merger. Discussions of additional risks and uncertainties are contained in WBD’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to WBD’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K and the definitive proxy statement filed by WBD in connection with the Merger. WBD is not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. Persons reading this communication are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof.

WBD Investor Contact:
Investor.Relations@wbd.com
212-548-5882

WBD Media Contacts:
Megan Klein
Megan.Klein@wbd.com
310-210-5018

Joe Libonati
Joe.Libonati@wbd.com
917-287-6763

Paramount Investor Contacts: 
Kevin Creighton
Kevin.Creighton@paramount.com

Logan Thomas
Logan.Thomas@paramount.com

Paramount Media Contacts:
Melissa Zukerman
msz@paramount.com

Laura Watson
Laura.Watson@paramount.com

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SOURCE Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

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Leading Korean Brokerage Connects to Bruce Markets’ U.S. Equities Data Feed, Reducing Risks of Blind Trading

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Toss Securities joins Meritz Securities on Bruce ATS as demand for greater resilience grows in South Korea following market data outages 

CHICAGO and SEOUL, South Korea, Oct, 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bruce Markets, which operates the overnight U.S. equities trading venue Bruce ATS, today announced that Toss Securities, a licensed Korean brokerage and the investing service within Toss, Korea’s No.1 financial superapp, has connected to Bruce ATS’ market data feed for overnight U.S. equities, reducing the risk of blind trading for customers.

The integration follows Meritz Securities becoming Bruce Markets’ first market-data client in South Korea, as demand grows for increased market structure resilience following recent market data outages.

“Korean investors are a critical force in the U.S. overnight market. They shouldn’t face needless data blackouts from a single ATS outage, especially when other venues have available liquidity,” said Jason Wallach, CEO of Bruce Markets. “By integrating Bruce Markets’ data for U.S. equities, Toss Securities is providing better resilience for its customers, who will no longer need to resort to blind trading if one venue goes down.”

This comes amid the continued expansion of overnight U.S. equity trading activity. Across the three leading overnight ATSs, Q2 2026 activity reached 11.14 billion shares and $391.2 billion in notional value, increases of 34% and 59% from Q1, respectively, according to the Bruce Q2 Overnight Market Review. Bruce ATS outpaced that broader growth in Q2, with executed volume increasing 144% to 1.16 billion shares and executed notional rising 105% to $49.03 billion.

Meeting Korean investors’ growing demand for U.S. equities calls for a competitive, multi-venue ecosystem that strengthens market resilience and gives brokers, traders and liquidity providers multiple pathways to see and reach liquidity across changing market conditions.

About Bruce Markets

Bruce Markets operates Bruce ATS™, a U.S. equities alternative trading system enabling overnight trading from 8:00 PM to 4:00 AM ET. Underpinned by exchange-grade technology and market rules, led by industry veterans and backed by leading firms from across the trading ecosystem, Bruce provides a high-performance, resilient venue that bridges the U.S. after-hours and pre-market sessions. By providing a credible source of after-hours liquidity for brokers and investors and leading the evolution of always-available markets, Bruce brings needed competition to the ecosystem and is redefining after-hours trading worldwide. To learn more, visit www.brucemarkets.com.

Media Contact

Forefront Communications for Bruce Markets
bruce@forefrontcomms.com 

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SOURCE Bruce Markets

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