October 2024

(Family Features) 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. In fact, 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.”

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’s 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 can’t 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’ll 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’re not getting the exercise you once did, but it’s important for your health 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.

Volunteer in your community or consider virtual volunteering. Helping others is a way to release feel-good endorphins for yourself. 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.

Find more resources that support older adults at connect2affect.org.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Barclays

Subscribe to The Lyfe Magazine and get all our issues plus a free prayer eBook for a year!

Follow us on our social media

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Text messaging has come a long way in recent years from its beginning on non-qwerty keypads. The ta-tap-tap motion once required to create words and sentences naturally created slow text messaging. The keyboard familiarity and two-thumbed capability of the QWERTY keypad caused texting to grow at an almost out of control rate. Once QWERTY keypads became commonplace and popular, two-thumbed texting took off and a whole new method of communication was born.

We are all guilty of texting, and have all found ourselves in a situation where we say something inappropriate via text that strains a relationship, whether it’s the proverbial “K” or “NVM” after someone sends you a long, heartfelt message, or the seeming brusqueness and unprofessionalism of conducting business interactions via text messages.

Texting Instead of Talking

One of the worst instances of text message intrusion is texting instead of talking to your client or boss. There’s also the invasive feel of unsolicited selling via text that many businesses use today. Face-to-face or voice-to-voice interactions are almost always a better business choice. Texting can leave your client or boss with the impression that you’re lazy or that they don’t matter enough to warrant your time.

Romantic Interest

The same holds true in romantic relationships. Your romantic interest wants to feel worthy of your time and attention and sometimes a text message just won’t do the trick. Not many things can start an argument faster than a text message that gets read with a tone the sender never intended. And, let’s not forget the damage done via sexting. Inappropriate pictures that seem romantic in the heat of the moment, become weapons in the aftermath of a breakup. Trust us when we say, just don’t do it. That kind of text damage is difficult to recover from.

A one-word reply to a long, rambling text has caused many a hearty fight. That type of response makes someone feel as if you are ignoring their thoughts and feelings, and can put a rather big strain on your relationship. It can prevent loved ones from talking to you about important topics when they feel as if you don’t care or that they won’t be able to get the emotional support they need from your text contribution.

Miscommunication

Miscommunication is also a serious text related concern because tone and inflection are not easily portrayed in text messages. Whether or not something is sarcastic or serious can easily go over someone else’s head, and can turn into an issue down the line. Even more damage can occur when you inadvertently send a text to the wrong recipient. Imagine a raucous joke intended for Matt that gets sent to Mom. Yikes!

Conclusion

It’s easy to avoid texting angst by taking a few simple precautions into consideration. The main thing is to make sure that when you have to communicate via text, you do with respect. Make a point of letting the other person know that you are listening to them, even if you must do so with only a few words. However, it’s best to communicate in person or on the phone when you can, as this develops a personal bond and relationship that simply isn’t present in a text message. This helps avoid issues with miscommunications and lowers potential strain in the long run. So, consider putting down the text messages and dialing that phone number instead.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

Commentary

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. In this passage Romans 8:28, the Apostle Paul says that “We know”, we understand, we are firmly persuaded, we have knowledge because of our experiences, we are assured, and we know with absolute certainty “that all things work together for good.” Whether prosperity or adversity, be it temporal things or spiritual things. Anything, everything, and all things, because of God’s love for His people, He maketh, He causes it to work together for good “to them that love God”, to those that trust, all those who have faith, obey, and love God. It is “to them who are the called according to His purpose”; to those who are called by God’s gracious design that He works everything out for good.

No Matter What You’re Going Through

Often times we are challenged by situations and circumstances that are less than favorable, things may appear to be bad, and as a result many may be fearful of the outcome. Some people may even worry about when, and how they will get through terrible times, but rest assured that no matter what you may go through God will cause it all to work for your good. God has purposely designed you and everything that you’re gong through is working according to the plan God has ordained for your life. Situations may not be good ones, but there is some good in every situation. God causes ALL things to work together for your good, and it’s all because you have been called, and you have been chosen according to His purpose and according to His plan for your life.

Have you ever stopped to think about how life as we know it began? How we came into existence? Or who the first man and woman were? Let me turn your attention to the Bible. In the book of Genesis, the writer tells the story of how God formed a man from the dust and breathed into him. The man became a living being. God also planted a garden in Eden where he made all kinds of trees that were used for food. However, there was a tree in the middle of the garden that was called the tree of life. God put Adam in the garden to work it and take care of it. He told Adam that he could eat anything except the tree in the middle of the garden, and if he did he would surely die.

God loved Adam so much and said it wasn’t right for him to be alone. So, he took a rib from Adam’s side and created Eve. This is where the story becomes thought-provoking.

Eve by WM. Paul Young

In the novel Eve, by WM. Paul Young, he shines a different light on the creation. The story opens with a conversation between a tall ebony black woman, Eve, and John the collector. The conversation between the two left John feeling peaceful. He knew that Mother Eve always had a purpose for visiting. Eve, sensing that John has a question, asked him to choose his question wisely. John paused and asked, “How long? How long must we wait until the end, when our healing will finally be complete?” Eve answered, “Much sooner than when I first asked that same question.”

The conversation continues and Eve tells the real reason for her visit. She was there because her child will be born. By this time others called John to examine a box that had washed ashore in a sealed container from earth. Inside, they found the body of a young woman that appears to have been battered and abused. Eve mentions to John the arrival of this young woman will mark the beginning of the end. So, to answer your question John, “No, you do not have to wait long for the healing and restoration that you so long for.”

It takes almost a year for the Angels to nurse Lilly back to health. Upon the Angels nursing her back to health, Lilly learns that she has been given the ability to go back to the beginning of creation and witness the events in Genesis unfold. Not only was she a witness, she was also a participant.

Something To Keep In Mind

Although this novel is scripture based, the reader must keep in mind that this is a fictitious account of the events in the beginning of the Bible. Instead of telling the story the way we usually hear it, Young puts twists, turns and creeps into the reader’s imagination to begin to break down barriers about what you truly believe. The purpose of taking the readers on a journey into Genesis is to reveal how God intervened for our sin and redeemed us.

Conclusion

The ending of the story is not what it may seem…is it real? Do you actually believe? Well, you be the judge of that. I am told that the Bible is the Bible and you can’t take from it or add to it. It is what it is! The WORD OF GOD!

Click here to read more book reviews by Beryl Brackett.

On Saturday, May 13, 2017, The Lyfe Magazine will be giving away a vacation package three fun filled days and two exciting evenings of hotel accommodations at one of these beautiful locations:

• Orlando, FL
• Daytona Beach, FL
• Ft. Lauderdale, FL
• Las Vegas, NV
• Branson, MO
• Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN
• Aruba, Dutch Caribbean
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Cozumel, Mexico
• Dominican Republic
• Hawaii
• St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

Examples of hotels you could be staying in at one of these locations include: Amerisuites, Best Western, Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, La Quinta, Red Roof Inn, Sheraton or the Ramada.

This getaway is not sponsored or endorsed by or affiliated with any third party hotel provider; however they are major suppliers. Each such provider, or their affiliates, owns its respective logos, designs, insignias and trademarks appearing hereon and any references to them are to illustrate examples of hotels available in this offer and are not to be construed as product or brand name endorsements by or for the respective provider.

Airfare is not included in this offer, however, there is a $500 airfare rebate available for U.S. flights ONLY. Click here for details.

Eligibility

All conditions must be current as of 11:59pm, May 12, 2017.

1. Subscription must be current.
2. Must be a ‘Lyfe Experience’, ‘Double the Lyfe’ or ‘More to Lyfe’ subscriber.
3. Must be 21 years old or older.
4. Cannot be a current employee or contractor of The Lyfe Magazine or Righteous Productions.
5. Cannot be a member of the board of directors of The Lyfe Magazine or one of their direct family members (husband, wife, mother, father, child(ren) or sibling).

Terms and Conditions

1. This certificate entitles the recipient to two nights of hotel accommodations at one of the locations described (subject to availability and certain restrictions). To be eligible for this giveaway you must be 21 years of age or older. A husband and wife or cohabitants must travel together to use this certificate. Upon check-in, hotels will require an imprint of a major credit card (NO DEBIT CARDS) to cover the cost of incidental charges and room tax. This offer is only available to U.S. residents or Canadian residents.
2. To activate your certificate, locate the ‘ACTIVATE NOW’ section on your certificate and choose your option. If you have a U.S. checking account, you can register online, pay the $50 refundable deposit plus any applicable child fees and complete the planning form. Please allow 30 days for processing.
3. When registering by mail, complete the Validation Form and mail to: Grand Incentives, Inc., 7560 Commerce Court, Sarasota, FL 34243 (Validation Form must be the original form; no copies allowed). Upon receipt of the Validation Form, a Vacation Planning Form will be sent via email. Print and complete your Vacation Planning Form and return to Grand Incentives along with your refundable deposit and any applicable child fees. IMPORTANT: Your $50 refundable room deposit and any applicable child fees must be submitted with your planning form (U.S. funds only) to move forward with the reservation process. Your completed Vacation Planning Form must be received a minimum of 45 days prior to your requested arrival date.
4. Incomplete or illegible registration forms will not be acknowledged, processed or returned. No replacements will be issued.
5. Prior to confirming your reservation, you will receive a destination verification email (approximately 30 days in advance of your requested travel date).You will be required to acknowledge this email before your reservation can be booked. Reservations are booked approximately 30 days in advance of your requested arrival date. All reservations are based upon Grand Incentives’ allotment of availability. You will receive a confirmation email once your reservation has been confirmed.
6. Your confirmation letter and two forms of identification (driver’s license and a major credit card – NO DEBIT CARDS) must be presented upon check-in.
7. This vacation offer provides standard accommodations for two adults. Up to two children under the age of 18 may stay in their parents’ room for $10 per child, payable to Grand Incentives, Inc. and submitted with your Vacation Planning Form. Sorry no pets allowed.
8. Travel must be completed by the expiration date.
9. Check-in date varies depending on destination. When submitting your Vacation Planning Form you will be required to give 3 different location choices (required to process your reservation due to changing availability). All destination have limited availability during peak season or holidays. The Pocanos, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, Wisconsin Dells, Andover and Atlantic City have limited accommodations available during June, July and August. For Atlantic City, Reno, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas, only Sunday through Thursday occupancy applies. All accommodations are in a hotel or motel in the resort area.
10. This certificate is valid for standard hotel accommodations only and does not include transportation, taxes, meals or any other miscellaneous expenses. At the time of booking, the total financial obligation to traveler will range from $24 to $36 for hotel taxes. Hotel taxes are collected upon confirmation with a credit card. Grand Incentives, Inc., its agents, assignees and designees, act only as agents for hotels and will not assume any responsibility for any loss, delay, accident, injury or damage to persons, property or any liability whatsoever arising from or in conjunction with services provided.
11. There is a $50 fee to reschedule or change a confirmed reservation. No changes can be made to a confirmed reservation within 14 days of your check-in date. To request changes, call the Grand Incentives, Inc., Help Desk at 941-552-5070, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm EST. Trip protection is highly recommended.
12. If you cancel within 14 days of your check-in date, you will forfeit your $50 room deposit. All cancellations must be submitted in writing.
13. Two or more vacation certificates may not be used consecutively or within a 12-month period. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion. You can request a refund of your deposit by mailing copies of your reservation letter and hotel check-out statement to Grand Incentives, Inc., 7560 Commerce Court, Sarasota FL 34243.
14. This offer is not valid for group travel or for attending a convention. No exceptions.
15. This certificate may be transferred to a third party (prior to booking) as a gift offer only, providing the recipient meets the terms and conditions of this certificate.

Return to Mother’s Day Giveaway Rules

Sponsored by Grand Incentives, Inc. and Let’s Travel Together

• Good on most major airlines
• Domestic flights ONLY
• Guaranteed lowest published available airfare

Details of Participation

1. Use of this card is exclusive of to the participants of the individual program and the customer must indicate at the beginning of the call that they intend to utilize the card and provide the reference code: GACGI5001114.
2. This offer only applies to published and available round-trip excursion fares in certain classes of service valued at a base fare of $200 or more booked through Grand Incentives, Inc.
3. The Grand Air Card is valid only on participating airlines for flights within the 48 contiguous United States (excluding Hawaii and Alaska).
4. Grand Incentives reserves the right to select and book the airline for participation in this program. Reservations require a 14-day advance purchase and a Saturday night stay. The amount of the rebate provided by each rebate card varies depending on the amount of the airfare purchased, exclusive of any applicable departure taxes, surcharges and/or airport facility charges. Rebate may not be available to or from specific airline hub cities.
5. For a base fare between $200 and $299, the card is valid for a maximum of $25; for airfare between $300 and $399, the card is valid for a maximum rebate of $50; for airfare between $400 and $499, the card is valid for a maximum rebate of $75; for airfare of $500 or more, the card is valid for a maximum rebate of $100.
6. Seating availability under this rebate program by participating airlines is limited and may not be available on all flights.
7. Rebate cannot be combined with any other promotional offer or rebate such as government, standby, student, companion, children, seniors, military, etc. All rebated tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and non-endorsable and are subject to change fees.
8. All airline tikets are processed electronically.
9. Rebate may be discontinued or suspended at any time without notice and Grand Incentives has the final authority to interpret all rebate rules. If no rebate is available on the requested itinerary, Grand Incentives will offer the lowest available published fare.
10. Rebates are not valid one full week before or after a holiday and seasonal periods and may not be applied to previously purchased tickets.
11. Neither Grand Incentives, nor any other company or individual participating in the creation or distibution of the rebate certificate shall be liable for any act, omission or negligence of any airline, travel agent or other party in connection with the travel arranged utilizing such certificates.
12. Only original, verifiable certificates may be used and will not be replaced if lost or stolen. Card has no cash value. Offer void where prohibited by law.
13. Payments will be accepted in US dollars only. This Grand Air Card contains proprietary information. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the express written consent of GRAND INCENTIVES, INC.
14. Upon completion of travel, please mail your boarding passes to Grand Incentives, Inc., 7560 Commerce Ct, Sarasota FL 34243. Rebate request will be verified and refund will be issued for the applicable amount. Boarding passes must be received by Grand Incentives within 30 days of traveling.

How to Use

1. Call 1-800-945-7674 Monday through Friday, between 9am and 5pm (EST) and advise the agent that you hold a Grand Air Card. Provide the reference code and your Grand Air Card’s Certificate Number. All air travel must be booked through Grand Incentives, Inc. only and may not be booked or arranged directly with any airline.
2. Have your travel dates and preferred times ready to expedite service.
3. Full payment via credit card is due at the timeof booking your airfare. Otherwise, we regret the reservation will not be held. All rebated tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and non-endorsable and subject to change fees.
4. At the time of ticketing the spelling of names, departure dates, return dates, departure city, specific airport and airline will be verified with the ticketing agent and recorded. Once ticketed, this transaction is final.

Return to Mother’s Day Giveaway Rules

The Lyfe Magazine does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information, product or service represented within our magazine or web site. The information provided is for educational or entertainment purposes only.

Anyone using the information provided by The Lyfe Magazine, whether medical, legal, business or other, does so at their own risk, and by using such information agrees to indemnify The Lyfe Magazine from any and all liability, loss, injury, damages, costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising from such use.

No Implied Endorsement

The Lyfe Magazine does not endorse or recommend any article, product, service or information found within said articles. The views and opinions of the authors who have submitted articles to The Lyfe Magazine belong to them alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Lyfe Magazine or its staff.

Links to other web sites from The Lyfe Magazine or its website are provided for convenience only. The Lyfe Magazine is not responsible for the content or availability of any external or 3rd party sites and does not warrant or guarantee the products, services, or information found on these sites.

We are looking for a team of dedicated, motivated and hard working people who want to earn a income on the side. The commission sales force will be on the front line of sales, representing our brand.

About The Lyfe Magazine

The Lyfe Magazine is the voice and soul of men and women. It started as a magazine that celebrated Florida’s unique style, beauty, cultural, inspiration and achievements. Now, Lyfe Publishing is extending the reach of the magazine to cover the DMV, Dallas, Los Angeles and Atlanta areas.

The Lyfe Magazine affirms its identity and shows its readers how to live life and have fun within the bounds of Christianity. Our editorial content, promotion, and brand extensions communicate the appeal of a luxury lifestyle with an authoritative voice and sophisticated design. Editorial content highlights the best in Christian living, finance, fashion, health and wellness, beauty, travel leisure, food and politics.

Lyfe Publishing expects The Lyfe Magazine go beyond traditional mass media to provide our marketing partners with 360-degree turnkey opportunities to engage this audience and increase sales nationally and regionally. We will provide advertisers with direct access to high-profile events, including fashion shows, ride & drive experiences, film and music festivals as well as charitable events. The Lyfe Magazine will continue to work closely with advertisers to develop custom programs and promotions suited to their brand and product initiatives.

Commission Sales Program Outline

• Magazines will be purchased by team member at the low rate of $3 each.
• Team member sells magazines for no more than $5 each.
• Team members make 40% commission on each sale.
• No money to return.
• Team members keep what they sell.
• Team members receive 25% percent for every online subscription sold.
  • Online subscription referrals are paid once a month on the 5th of each month.
  • Balance owed must be $25 or greater.
• Team members can also earn 25% on advertiser sales.
  • For each ad sold, the team member will receive 25% commission on the sale.
  • Commissions will be paid once a month on the 5th of each month.

Who We Reach

• 62% of our audience is between 25 and 44 years of age.
• 40% of our audience’s household income is over $50,000.
• The median income is $35,659. 52% of our audience own a home.
• 44% of our audience is single.

Website Data

• 11,000 plus page views per month.
• 50% new customers each month.