Pandemic Stress Puts Renewed Emphasis on Inner Health and Self-Care Among Black and Latina Women

AARP announced recently the results of its annual survey, Mirror/Mirror: Women’s Reflections on Beauty, Age and Media™. The study reveals that self-care and wellness needs among Black and Latina women have grown amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black and Latino adults are at greater risk of contracting coronavirus, being hospitalized, and dying from the virus than their white, non-Hispanic counterparts.

AARP’s Mirror/Mirror annual survey reflects the stress that many Black and Latina women are experiencing. According to the survey, 67% of Latinas and 56% of Black women age 18+ have had problems sleeping since the pandemic began. 74% of Latinas and 67% of Black women age 18+ have experienced issues with weight or eating since the pandemic began. During this time, Black and Latina women are prioritizing their self-care and mental health needs. They seem to be shifting their focus away from outward appearances, while changing their attitudes and habits in favor of their emotional well-being. The survey found that 61% of Latinas and 60% of Black women age 18+ focused more on their health than their appearance during the pandemic.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone, it has had a particularly profound effect on women, who have experienced disproportionate job loss, additional childcare duties, and mental distress,” said Yvette Pena, AARP Vice President, Hispanic/Latino Audience Strategy, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. “Black and Latina women, in particular, are looking for ways to prioritize self-care and wellness to help counteract the stressors of the past year.”

The survey, key elements of which will appear in a digital content collaboration with Allure, also reveals that the pandemic has made some women more comfortable with a relaxed appearance and hopeful that changes in beauty standards will continue after the pandemic ends.

Women’s increased emphasis on their own wellness offers an opportunity to provide them with resources to cope during the pandemic. For tips, tools, and resources on how to stay mentally and physically fit visit: https://www.aarp.org/wellbeing/.

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Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.