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Let’s make 2025 a personal success

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As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to set meaningful goals that will strengthen security, stability, and fulfillment. Whether you’re navigating solo aging or living far from family, focusing on personal success, self-care, and well-being can help make the new year a time to thrive.

Starting today, I encourage you to plan around three key areas that will empower you to feel stronger, more connected, and more confident in your daily life:

Why it matters: Learning a new skill keeps your mind sharp, boosts confidence, and opens up new opportunities.

How to start:

• Take a class at a local lifelong learning institute, college, senior center or online (think cooking, painting, or financial literacy.)

• Learn a new technology like video calling or budgeting apps.

• Explore hobbies that spark your creativity, such as gardening, knitting, or playing an instrument.

Tip: Choose something that excites you and dedicate 15–30 minutes daily to practice.

2 Character Building

Why it matters: Developing traits like resilience, gratitude, and optimism helps you handle life’s ups and downs.

How to start:

• Practice journaling to reflect on your strengths and areas to grow.

• Write down three things you’re grateful for each day.

See MARAK, page A8

Carol Marak Aging Matters MARAK

From page A4

• Embrace small challenges to build confidence—whether it’s starting a daily walk or trying something new.

Tip: Pair character-building with mindfulness exercises, like devotionals, books of faith, to gain wisdom.

Why it matters: Meaningful connections improve emotional health and create a support system to rely on.

How to start:

• Join a local club, group, or volunteer organization to meet people with shared interests.

• Reach out to old friends for a coffee or video chat.

• Set a goal to make one new connection each month— whether it’s a neighbor, coworker, or fellow group member.

Tip: Invest time in relationships that are uplifting and reciprocal.

4 Plan for Accountability

Write down your goals for skills, character, and friendship building.

Break them into small, achievable steps.

• Schedule weekly check-ins with yourself to track progress.

• Find an accountability partner— someone who will encourage and celebrate wins. Reflect monthly on what’s working and adjust as needed. Benefits You Receive

• Increased Confidence: You’ll feel more capable and prepared to handle life’s challenges.

Improved Emotional Health:

• Building skills, character, and friendships enhances your sense of purpose and joy.

Stronger Support Network: • Meaningful relationships provide stability and connection, enriching your life in countless ways.

Let’s make 2025 the year you invest in growth, happiness, and well-being. Remember, even small steps lead to significant changes. I’m here cheering you on every step of the way!

Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with hope, health, and success.

Carol Marak, aging advocate, and editor at Seniorcare. com.

She's earned a Certificate in the Fundamentals of Gerontology from UC Davis, School of Gerontology. Aging Matters is published in newspapers all over the country.

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