Keep a routine. It is not because you are isolated due to the coronavirus and unable to leave home, that you should let yourself go. For instance, avoid getting up at noon and staying up until the wee hours of the morning, unless that is your normal routine. Nor should you remain in your pajamas all day unless you are ill and in bed.  Get up and get dressed.

• Carry on with life as usual as much as possible: dress, bathe, brush your teeth, shave, put on make-up, and pamper yourself.
• Continue your self-care with regular meals and sleep as well as exercise.
• Have a plan with at least one goal for the day.
• Put on comforting music, stretch, and make the day agreeable as much as possible.

It is especially important to have a purpose, a reason to get up in the morning. Plan tonight for tomorrow. My own primary research has shown that having a purpose is probably the most important ingredient to aging well. During this COVID-19 pandemic, we need to remember this more than ever, both for our physical health and for our age-esteem.

Bonnie Fatio

Success is easy to define, Merriam-Webster describes it as “a favorable or desired outcome” and “the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence,” but is it defined differently for men and women? Perhaps there are the stereotypical gender lines where women focus on the importance of relationships and feeling valued while men focus more on material success.

It turns out that women are broadening the definition of what it means to be successful and what it means to achieve great things in the world. The adaptation of success may also be a reflection of the fact that they still carry the bulk of the household and family responsibilities.

Are you one of those women that does it all and still feel inadequate? Why? Here are some thoughts as you define what success means to you personally:

• Understand the price you are paying for your definition of success.
• Have a clear goal and purpose, recognize that you cannot have it all.
• Decide what is most important, focus on it and get rid of the guilt.
• Be mindful that after every hill you climb, a new hill emerges.
• If all else fails, fake it until you make it.

So, what matters to you personally? Where do you want to be in a year? Two years? Five? How will you achieve your own definition of success? Write your thoughts down while having some much-deserved “me time.” What truly matters to you in your life today?

Here are some ways in which AgeEsteemers have defined success in their lives:

• Be in the moment, instead of constantly going, going, going.
• Realize that your contribution to the world is valued, if not by others, by you.
• Find a healthy balance between a loving home and a career you enjoy.
• Have people in your life who can always make you smile.
• Find the good in life’s imperfections.
• Be proud of yourself.

Let determination, vision and purpose be your superpower to success!

Reach Out: When we reach outwards, thinking of and doing for others, we have less time to dwell on our self. Being involved in a project to help others gives us better perspective and a meaningful purpose. We grow and learn.

• Ask yourself what talents and interests you have that you are not using. How would you like to use these?
• Look for opportunities to contribute at least one hour every two weeks to a school, charity, social service or club. Ask friends, search the Internet, read announcements.
• Make a commitment to contribute your time and talents as the next step to building this dimension of your happiness. It will also enhance your confidence and age-esteem.

If you want to be happy, just be happy!