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Show Up for Yourself This Spring
We’re so excited to have you join us for The Ethel Spring Forward Challenge! Check back here every Sunday to see your challenges for the upcoming week. You’re encouraged to try as many activities as you'd like, whether that’s just one or both of them (plus a bonus challenge). The goal is progress, not perfection!
Spring Forward with this Week’s Activities:
Week 2: Refresh & Reset
It can become easy to go through days on autopilot and fall into a routine that starts to feel like a rut. So, start this week by taking a moment to pause and reflect on what’s behind you and what lies ahead. Spring forward to the challenge by completing another round of small, low-stakes activities to refresh your mind and body. As always, we will continue to cheer you on.
1. Try a new recipe from another culture
Cook an easy, low-effort meal with a family member, friend, or even alone! Don’t want to cook? Remove the stress by ordering takeout from a nearby place you haven’t tried before.
Tip: Begin with an easy-to-follow recipe on YouTube. Look for short videos with fewer ingredients! For some inspo, here’s an article with four easy-to-follow recipes to celebrate Cinco de Mayo: 4 Easy Recipes To Celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Prefer takeout? Find a restaurant that delivers right to your home.
2. Try a quick 10-minute stretch, dance, or yoga video online
Try a quick 10-minute stretch, dance, or yoga routine with the help of an online video. Even a small amount of exercise can be good for both your body and mind. Not only can movement improve your overall health, but it can also help stave off some serious diseases like diabetes.
Tip: Begin your next move with this AARP 10-Minute Balance and Stretch Workout! Or explore AARP Fitness to find a video comfortable for you!
BONUS: Clean out your junk drawer or closet
Spring calls for spring cleaning! Refresh and organize your space by tidying up an overflowing junk drawer or a cluttered closet.
Tip: Make four piles—toss, donate, keep, and relocate—to help you quickly organize the items.
For frequently asked questions, like how to join the chat, scroll down to the FAQ section on this page.
You’re Not Doing This Alone
The real magic of this challenge? The women doing it alongside you.
Inside our Private Facebook group, you can:
- Share wins (big or small)
- Ask questions or get encouragement
- See how others are stepping forward
You’re Not Doing This Alone
The real magic of this challenge? The women doing it alongside you.
Inside our Private Facebook group, you can:
- Share wins (big or small)
- Ask questions or get encouragement
- See how others are stepping forward
You’re Not Doing This Alone
The real magic of this challenge? The women doing it alongside you.
Inside our Private Facebook group, you can:
- Share wins (big or small)
- Ask questions or get encouragement
- See how others are stepping forward
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Your Chance to Win While You Grow
Enter for a Chance to Win The Ethel Prize Bundle, including Sunglasses, Tumbler, Tote and more!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal U.S. residents 18+. Ends Friday, May 8th, 11:59 PM Eastern Time. See Official Rules for details.
FAQ
To join The Ethel Challenge Facebook group community:
Step 1: Log in using your Facebook account.
Step 2: Click this Facebook group link and press “Join Group” to request access to the community.
It’s that simple! All of the members of the Facebook group will be participating in the Challenge along with you.
No, The Ethel Spring Forward Challenge is completely free. You only need an aarp.org account to sign up. There is no cost to create an account, and an AARP membership is not required.
No, an AARP membership is not required. You only need an aarp.org account to sign up, and creating an account is free.
You will receive your first Challenge email on April 5th, 2026. After that, you’ll receive weekly challenge emails on Sundays through May 3rd, plus discussion prompts in The Ethel Challenge Facebook group, in which you can connect and share with other women also doing the Challenge. At the end of the pilot, we would love to gather your feedback and details on your experience through an emailed survey.
Each Sunday until May 3rd, you’ll receive two new tasks designed to help you step outside your comfort zone and stimulate personal growth. But don’t feel as though you have to do it all. Completing even one task takes you one step further outside your comfort zone.
Connect with other participants in The Ethel Challenge Facebook group, where you can share your experience via posts and comments.
A mix of both, so you can participate in what fits your lifestyle best. Every Sunday, we will email you with two activities. But don’t feel as though you have to do both – pick what works for you. Completing even one task takes you one step further outside your comfort zone. Share your success on your social channels, challenge friends to also participate, and connect with other participants in The Ethel Challenge Facebook group, a friendly space for sharing experiences and encouragement.
Yes, we aim to provide a mix of activities for women from all walks of life. Every Sunday, we will email you with two activities; choose whichever your body is comfortable with completing. Completing even one task takes you one step further outside your comfort zone. You’ll also have access to The Ethel Challenge Facebook group, a friendly virtual space for sharing experiences and encouragement.
Throughout this pilot program, we hope to provide a variety of activities suitable for women from all walks of life. You can modify to fit your goals and intentions for this challenge. Completing even one task takes you one step further outside your comfort zone. You can see how other participants complete their challenges in The Ethel Challenge Facebook group, a friendly virtual space for sharing experiences and encouragement.
Learn more about The Ethel Spring Forward Sweepstakes and sign up with the official entry form here: The Ethel Spring Forward Challenge Sweepstakes
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends Friday, May 8th, 11:59 PM Eastern Time. See Official Rules for details.
Show us how you're showing up for yourself this Spring! For a chance to be featured on our website or newsletter, look out for a Docusign photo release form in your registration confirmation email. This form allows us to feature photos you post in The Ethel Challenge Facebook group, onto The Ethel website, newsletter, and other social media platforms — only with your consent!
If you experience issues, please reach out to aarpethel@aarp.org for assistance.
If you have trouble logging into your AARP.org account to sign up, please try the following steps:
- Try resetting your password.
- Clear your cookies and cache, and ensure your browser is up to date.
- Close and reopen your browser and try logging in again.
If you continue to experience issues, email aarpethel@aarp.org for assistance.
Find Friendship & Community
The Ethel Community supports and celebrates women in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond through our Social Groups. Find the one that suits you best or join them all!
Local Gathering Groups
Meet new friends in your area or virtually. Or start a new Ethel Gathering Group near you!
The Ethel Circle
Join other women in the convo on navigating aging. Uplift each other and break stereotypes.
Ethel On-the-Go
Join a like-minded community of travelers who prove you're never too old for adventure.