As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been enjoying looking back at photos and blog posts from the year. Wow! Even though I was uncharacteristically without a “big plan,” I had a lot of “joyful aging adventures.” It’s fun to see what evolves without a lot of “Big Planning Up Front.” (A frequent lesson in the world of an Agile coach.)
One thing that’s become apparent with aging is that life throws us curveballs, so even the best laid plans get interrupted. Flexibility and finding joy, even when life is difficult, have convinced me that every day can be an adventure. That’s what I think of as the “Carpe Diem Mindset.”
With that in mind, I’m sure I must have had at least 363 adventures this year (with 2 more days to go!), but in honor of 2025—and this being my 25th and final post of the year—here are 25 that I’ll share.
25 Joyful Aging Adventures from 2025
Family, Legacy & Love
- Finding “treasures” while clearing out my childhood home
Discovering love letters between my mom and dad—and to learn so much about my Mom and who she was before she was a mother. - Saying goodbye to Philip and being with my mom through her grief
A true blessing to be able to comfort her during such a difficult time. - Celebrating my mom’s 90th birthday with my siblings
And getting to spend lots of 1:1 time with her in sunny California! - Playing the Piano for Mom and Memory Care Residents
- Singing “Climb Every Mountain” with Mom and Dee
Health, Aging & Resilience
- Turning 65 and officially entering Medicare
And taking advantage of PT without stressing about the out-of-pocket costs! - Living through a broken foot—and learning to slow down
A quieter “fall” spent noticing my neighborhood, the weather, and enjoying the “break” from 10,000+ steps a day! - Experiencing airport wheelchair service (and loving it)
From bus-arrival, bag drop-off, through security to the gate. Easiest airport experience ever. - Learning my current Alzheimer’s risk is low (pTau blood test)
What a relief!—and motivation to keep investing in healthy aging. - Running and Walking monthly races with Bonnie
Winning the Unicorn Race while walking! (There are so few competitors in the 65+ age range.)
Friendship & Community
- Celebrating a wedding with my good friend, Jackster
And being treated like one of the family! - Getting better at Poker!
Regular Friday “Seniors” gathering at the Superior Community Center along with hosting an annual game while “Bali Chris” was in town. - The Light Club with Cathy—and reconnecting with Sonja and her art
Creativity, friendship, and connection. - Advocating for Alzheimer’s awareness through community events
Including the Purple Gala and hosting a Longest Day gathering. - Volunteering as a discussion leader with DOROT’s “Aging Alone Together”
And learning a lot, myself, about connection, independence, and belonging.
Travel & Adventure
- Volunteering at VaughanTown in Spain
Best “volunteer” gig ever. Like summer camp for language-lovers! - Valencia with my friend David
And playing with AI! - Meeting Ged and Theresa—and running the Turia 5K
New connections from around the world! - Cruising along the Mexican Riviera
Sun and SEA-zing the day! - The Lancaster Poppy Festival, Oso Trail, and many other adventures with Scotty
Got to spend lots of time with him while he was stationed at Edwards AFB in CA.
Learning, Growth & Expression
- Reaching Level 130 in Duolingo Spanish
In preparation for Mexico in January, 2026! - Taking classes with the Renaissance Society
And restarted my Carpe Diem Connections Podcast and talked with Ken Cross about the experience! - Participating in peaceful rallies celebrating free speech and democracy
Being part of an historic movement with my granddaughter Reneya—finding joy in gratitude for our freedoms.
Grandchildren & Joy
- Solving an escape room with Diego for his 16th birthday
So fun! - Attending a Descendants acting workshop and Sephora Makeover with Reneya for her 14th birthday
Growing up too fast.
Looking back, these joyful aging adventures remind me that I have so much to be grateful for.
I was a lot less “prepared” with my usual list of goals. I was not nearly as disciplined with accomplishing major milestones… (other than Duolingo, that is.) Yet, still, every-day-life presented me with so much joy.
Here’s to staying open, finding joy, and seizing each day—one quotidian adventure at a time. (Quotidian: one of my favorite underused words, meaning “everyday.” I know I overuse it—because, after all, it is a quotidian word.)
Carpe Diem.
Thank you, Yvette, intrepid blogger, for sharing your adventures with your readers. I know I am speaking for everyone when I say that reading your posts always brings me joy, inspiration, enthusiasm for life, and a deep appreciation of your friendship.
Let’s see what 2026 rolls out!!
Awww, thank you, loyal reader and friend! Can’t wait to see you in February, 2026! Feliz Año Nuevo!