Dear Reader,

We’ve got some crucial topics to cover in this edition, including the devastating impact of COVID-19 on older adults, the challenges that black real estate agents face in their field, and the racial disparities in open-heart surgery outcomes.

We’ll also share some powerful quotes and insightful book recommendations to help you unleash your full potential. As we aim to prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations and create a more equitable and inclusive society, let’s first explore the COVID-19 pandemic’s severe impact on the quality of life of older adults.

Studies show that this population has experienced higher hospitalization rates, death, and long-term COVID-19 symptoms than younger people, along with increased social isolation and mental health challenges.

We must address these issues and prioritize older adults’ mental and physical health during and after the pandemic.

Fascinating Articles I Read Last Week

COVID-19’s Devastating Effect on Older Adults

​The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the quality of life of older adults. Studies show older adults have experienced higher hospitalization rates, death, and long-term COVID-19 symptoms than younger people.

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The pandemic has also increased social isolation, linked to adverse health outcomes such as cognitive decline and depression. Additionally, older adults are more likely to experience anxiety and depression exacerbated by the pandemic.

It is crucial to prioritize the mental and physical health of older adults during and after the pandemic, and policymakers and healthcare providers must work towards addressing the challenges this vulnerable population faces.

My Key Takeaway: The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected older adults, leading to increased hospitalization rates, long-term COVID-19 symptoms, social isolation, and mental health challenges. It is essential to prioritize the needs of older adults and take steps to address the issues they face.

As we consider the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations, As highlighted in a recent article in The New York Times, we must also address the systemic discrimination black real estate agents face.

Read The Article

Black Real Estate Agents Face Discrimination and Other Challenges in Their Field

The real estate industry discriminates against black real estate agents, making it challenging for them to succeed in their field. Studies show that black homebuyers are shown fewer homes and are more likely to be denied mortgage loans than white homebuyers.

In contrast, black real estate agents are less likely to be hired by white-owned brokerages. Discrimination can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and financial struggle, affecting black agents’ mental health and well-being.

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The industry also lacks diversity and requires more support and resources for black agents. The article argues that addressing these issues is crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable real estate industry.

My Key Takeaway: Black real estate agents face discrimination from clients and colleagues, affecting their success and well-being in the industry. Addressing the lack of diversity, providing more support and resources, and tackling discrimination are necessary for creating a more equitable and inclusive real estate industry.

Moving on to another critical topic, black individuals face racial disparities in healthcare that affect their outcomes. A study found that black patients undergoing open-heart surgery have worse outcomes than white patients, with higher risks of complications and death within 30 days of surgery.

Read The Article

Open-Heart Surgery Outcomes Worse for Black Patients

According to a study, black patients undergoing open-heart surgery experience worse outcomes than white patients. Black patients had a 34% higher risk of dying within 30 days of surgery than white patients and were more likely to experience complications.

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​The article suggests potential reasons for the racial disparity, including differences in access to care, health disparities, and bias in the healthcare system. Developing a program to improve access to care and reduce inequities is highlighted as a promising effort.

It is crucial to address racial disparities in healthcare and ensure that all patients receive high-quality care.

Key takeaway: A study found that black patients undergoing open-heart surgery have worse outcomes than white patients, including a higher risk of complications and death within 30 days of surgery.

Addressing differences in access to care, health disparities, and bias in the healthcare system is necessary for improving outcomes for black patients.

Efforts to reduce disparities, such as improving access to care, are underway. Still, more work is needed to ensure that all patients receive high-quality care regardless of race.

The racial disparities in healthcare and real estate highlight the ongoing need for creating a more equitable and inclusive society. As we work towards this goal, finding inspiration and guidance is crucial to help us navigate our challenges.

That’s why we’re excited to share some powerful quotes and insightful book recommendations that can help you unleash your full potential.

Read The Article

What I’m Reading That’s Blowing My Mind

Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential by Matt Higgins

The author believes that to succeed truly. Individuals must burn their “boats” or backup plans and fully commit to their goals without any safety nets.

He argues that too often, individuals hold onto their backup plans. As a result, they only partially commit to their goals, ultimately leading to mediocrity.

One action step that readers can take from this book is to identify their backup plans and determine if they hinder their ability to commit to their goals fully.

If so, they should take the necessary steps to let go of those backup plans and fully commit to their goals. This may involve taking calculated risks and stepping outside of their comfort zone. Still, it is ultimately necessary for individuals to achieve their full potential.

Quotes That Caught My Attention

Explanation

This saying implies that as the world continually transforms and progresses, one must not stay static or unyielding in their convictions or behaviors. It is essential to modify one’s mindset and acclimate to the ongoing shifts in the surrounding environment.

Action

To apply this quote could be regularly seeking new information and perspectives on topics you care about. This could involve reading diverse news sources, seeking out alternative viewpoints, and conversing with people with different opinions than you.

By being open to new information and ideas, you can adjust your attitude and actions to better align with the constantly changing world.

Explanation

This quote means that if you want to achieve something significant in life, you must push yourself outside your comfort zone. Staying within your comfort zone may feel safe and familiar. Still, it also means limiting yourself and not growing or experiencing new things.

Action

An action step to apply this quote could be to set a goal or take on a challenge you have been avoiding because it makes you feel uncomfortable or uncertain. This could be anything from speaking in public to trying a new hobby.

By stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking on new challenges, you can build confidence, learn new skills, and open yourself up to new opportunities you may not have otherwise experienced.

It’s a Wrap!

That’s it for this week’s 1% Better Newsletter 🙂

As we wrap up this month’s newsletter, I hope that the stories and insights we’ve shared have been informative and thought-provoking.

My goal is to engage you in the critical discussions that affect our society and to inspire action in addressing these issues.

This week’s newsletter has shed light on the impact of COVID-19 on older adults, the challenges faced by black real estate agents, and the racial disparities in healthcare outcomes for black patients.

These topics underscore the need for creating a more equitable and inclusive society. Additionally, the powerful quotes and book recommendations shared in this newsletter can help individuals unleash their full potential by pushing themselves out of their comfort zone and fully committing to their goals.

As we move forward, let us prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations and work towards a more equitable future for all.

Until next time, stay curious, stay informed, and stay inspired!

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Here’s to your success,

Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

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