Monday, May 31, 2021

How to Combat Social Isolation During COVID-19 Pandemic

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

Even before COVID-19 limited social contact with friends, family, and colleagues, many adults experienced loneliness and depression due to limited contact with others.

 

Now, a year after the pandemic forced many people into even greater levels of isolation, the issue of social isolation is especially prevalent in Americans over the age of 50. Despite the physical implications of a global pandemic, research shows the mental health stakes are high, too. A nationwide survey, commissioned by Barclays, found that half of Americans over the age of 50 said the isolation from their friends and family has been more challenging than concerns over health risks they may face.

 

Social isolation has provided plenty of time for Americans to reflect on their priorities. The majority of Americans surveyed (90%) have re-evaluated their post-age-50 goals and put spending more time with family at the top of their lists. The most common first thing 50-plus Americans will do once COVID-19 is over is to see and spend time with their families (41%).

 

“While restrictions are beginning to ease, many older adults are still isolated from friends and family, and that takes a toll on their mental well-being,” said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, president of the AARP Foundation. “We must do all we can to help older adults, who have suffered greatly during COVID-19, strengthen the social connections that are so essential to their ability to lead longer, healthier lives.”

Photo by Alex Green from Pexels

For example, AARP Foundation’s Connect2Affect platform equips older adults with the tools they need to stay physically and mentally healthy and connected to their communities.


The AARP Essential Rewards MasterCard from Barclays is helping fund the foundation’s work to increase social connection with donations based on new accounts and eligible purchases, up to $1 million annually.

 

A little creativity and a commitment to filling time productively can help reduce the strain of being alone until it is safer to resume social activities.

 

Use technology to connect with loved ones. Video chats and traditional phone calls can help you feel connected even when you cannot be together in person. While a drop-in call can be fun, consider arranging regular visits with kids and grandkids. If you schedule calls throughout the week, you will have something regular to look forward to and can benefit from a check-in that affirms everyone is healthy and safe.

 

Make time for physical activity. Staying closer to home may mean you are not getting the exercise you once did, but your health needs to stay active. Regularly using your muscles helps keep your body strong, and even light physical activity a few times each week can help keep your cardiovascular system fit for better heart health. Regular exercise can also provide a range of positive mental health outcomes, including reduced stress, anxiety and depression, and improved memory.

Photo by MART PRODUCTION from Pexels

Volunteer in your community or consider virtual volunteering. Helping others is a way to release feel-good endorphins for you. While your limited social calendar may afford you some extra time, inquire with local nonprofits about how you can contribute to their causes. Especially as funding for charitable organizations has dropped, volunteers are still essential to most nonprofit organizations, whether the help comes in person or virtually. Even from a distance, you may be able to help with tasks like making calls to donors, assisting with mailings, or planning fundraising campaigns.

 

Learn a new hobby or skill. Another way to fill your free time, and reap some positive energy, is to explore a new hobby or skill. The personal satisfaction of learning and focusing your mental energy on something that interests you can help offset the disappointment of being away from those you love.

 

To find more resources that support older adults, go to connect2affect.org.

Monday, May 17, 2021

Tips to Help You as the COVID-19 Restrictions are Slowly Being Lifted

Image by Sammmie from Pixabay 

Every day, we are receiving information as to how we can slowly get back to doing some of the things we did before the COVID-19 pandemic hit us like a ton of bricks. Should we continue to wear a mask if fully vaccinated? Must we keep maintaining social distancing? The answers can be somewhat overwhelming, depending on who is providing the solutions.

 

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay 

To help make things clearer, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention - which offers updated information on how you can protect yourself, your family, and others.

Monday, May 10, 2021

Solo Travelers Over 50 are Opting to Personalize Their Voyage

Photo by nappy from Pexels

Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) is the leader in solo-friendly travel for women over 50, exploring the globe, experiencing new cultures, and connecting with others from every lifestyle. Solo women travelers help to enrich the lives of the people they will meet along the way – often women and girls in faraway places – just as their lives will be enriched by the discoveries they will make on their journeys.

 

More than 80,000 solo travelers have traveled with O.A.T. in the last five years, and more than half of O.A.T.’s travelers are women traveling alone. The company has 38,000 solo women travelers who have reserved travel for 2021 and 2022. O.A.T. offers Free Single Supplements on 92% of its 30,000 single spaces to support unaccompanied travelers.

 

Element5 Digital from Pexels

In the spirit of women supporting women, O.A.T. issued the complimentary NEW 101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers. Edited by O.A.T. Vice Chairman Harriet Lewis, the booklet assembles advice primarily from O.A.T.'s most seasoned solo women travelers.

 

The NEW 101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers, written specifically for the mature woman, shares tips on top solo-friendly destinations, specific regions of the world, solo travel safety, money matters, etiquette, dining, and culture. Anyone may request a complimentary copy of the NEW 101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers (or view it) at http://www.oattravel.com/community/101-tips.

 

For many O.A.T. solo women travelers, the best part of their adventures is the support through O.A.T. travel for Grand Circle Foundation projects, many of which focus on women and girls. The organization's community development, for example, establishes the means for women and village leaders to create sustainable changes in their communities to become economically self-sufficient. By 2022, 85% of O.A.T.’s travelers are choosing to personalize their experiences in more than 80 countries.

 

O.A.T. is the only travel company to offer the level of flexibility, so solo travelers can create a truly personalized experience. 

 

Established in 1978, Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) is part of Boston-based - Grand Circle Corporation's family of travel companies, which also include Grand Circle Cruise Line and Grand Circle Travel. In 1992, owners Alan and Harriet Lewis established the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation to support communities in which Grand Circle works and travels, including some 300 humanitarian, cultural, and educational endeavors worldwide, among them, 100 schools in 50 countries. The Foundation is an entity of the Lewis Family Foundation, which has pledged or donated more than $200 million since 1981.

 

To learn more about O.A.T., please visit http://www.oattravel.com or call 1-800-955-1925.

Monday, May 03, 2021

How Can A Man Love His Wife And Have An Affair? | Best Marriage Tips

Our Favorite married couple, Augustine and Stella Ajanaku will share some interesting tips on marriage. Enjoy this video. Moreover, please leave your comments and subscribe to their YouTube Channel.