One Year Later—How These Seniors Did on 2023 Resolutions

A year ago, three residents from Meadow Ridge were interviewed about their resolutions for 2023 and what advice they had for others on keeping resolutions.

So, how did they do?

Resident Jack Neafsey maintained his get up and go every day of 2023.  His resolution was to stay active and he did, walking six miles every day of the year and playing over 40 rounds of golf—many with his son and grandson. His secret to being successful is forming good habits instead of trying dramatic, all-at-once changes. “I get up, brush my teeth, put my pants on and go for a walk,” he says. “I don’t even think about it.”

He stayed mentally active, too, co-moderating Meadow Ridge’s Great Decisions group, reading 20 books and sitting on three committees at Meadow Ridge. Neafsey’s goals for this year? “Keep on keeping on! If you have a fresh outlook and determination to succeed everyday you’re probably going to do it,” he says, adding, “Make sure you laugh and make others laugh every day.”

Dick Farrell wanted to become more patient and understanding in 2023. “It worked and expanded somewhat,” he says, having looked for and found the best in others.  “I began to view every person (not all are saints) as one of God’s creation. That has imbued each encounter with another in a light that illuminates a deeper persona and a further reason to be less judgmental, but more understanding of another’s actions, words and moods.”

For Jo Fuchs Luscombe, 2023 got off to a great start. Most of the year, in fact, she was successful in meeting her resolution of helping others adjust to life at Meadow Ridge. She chaired the welcoming committee for her building and joined several other groups—a Spanish speaking group, a writing workshop and the country store where she found she had a talent for sales.

“Unfortunately, I ended the year badly,” she says, having taken a fall that required hospitalization and physical therapy. “I’m learning how to walk and get back to normal as soon as possible.”

Out of this, however, she has set important resolutions for 2024. “Do not fall ever again! That’s number one,” she says. “And number two is learn to be patient.  Everyone told me I would learn to walk again. What they didn’t tell me is it would require a lot of physical therapy and a lot of time.” As she makes her way toward recovery, with the help of a scooter, Luscombe has learned something important about her neighbors. “People have been very kind to me with my inability to walk on my own and I hope to get there soon!”