EAGER TO MAKE FRIENDS? JOIN OUR ETHEL CIRCLE TODAY!
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The Ethel Connection Challenge Hub
Thanks for joining our one-month pilot program designed to help members of The Ethel community—primarily older women—feel more connected, engaged, and less lonely.
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Female senior friends taking a selfie on karting

Weekly Themes

Check back here every Sunday evening to reveal next week’s activities. We’re so excited to have you join us for this Challenge! You are encouraged to try as many of this week’s activities as you would like, whether that’s all of them or just one. The goal is progress, not perfection, and every action you take counts.

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For frequently asked questions, like how to join the chat, scroll down to the FAQ section on this page.



FAQ


  • How do I join The Ethel Connection Challenge's Facebook Messenger Chat?

    To join The Ethel Connection Challenge's Facebook Messenger Community

    Step 1: Download the Messenger app on your mobile device via the app store.

    Step 2: Log in using your Facebook account.

    Step 3: Click this Facebook Messenger link to be instantly added to the community!

  • Does this cost anything to participate?

    No, The Ethel Connection Challenge is completely free. You only need an AARP.org account to sign up. There is no cost to creating an account, and an AARP membership is not required. Space is limited in this pilot test to ensure a quality experience for everyone. So, sign up early to secure your spot.

  • Do I need to be an AARP Member to participate?

    No, an AARP membership is not required. You only need an AARP.org account to sign up and creating an account is free.

  • What happens during the pilot?

    You will receive your first Challenge email on October 1, 2025. After that, you'll receive weekly challenge emails on Sundays through October, plus daily discussion prompts in a private Facebook Messenger group chat , 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.

  • How do the challenges work?

    On Wednesday, October 1 and each Sunday in October, you’ll receive five new tasks designed to help you create new social connections and strengthen the connections you already have. But don’t feel as though you have to do all five. The completion of even one task takes you one step further outside your interpersonal comfort zone.

  • Where can I connect with other participants?

    You’ll have access to The Ethel's private Facebook Messenger group chat , where you can connect and share with other women participating in the Challenge.

  • Is this experience in-person or virtual?

    A mix of both so you can participate in what fits your lifestyle best. Every Sunday, we will email you with five activities. But don’t feel as though you have to do all five—just pick what works for you. The completion of even one task takes you one step further outside your interpersonal comfort zone. You’ll have access to The Ethel Facebook Messenger group chat, a friendly space for sharing experiences and encouragement.

  • Can I participate if I have mobility limitations or challenges?

    Yes, we aim to provide a mix of activities suitable for women from all walks of life. Every Sunday, we will email you with five activities, but don’t feel as though you have to do all five. Completing even one task takes you one step further outside your interpersonal comfort zone. You’ll also have access to The Ethel Facebook Messenger group chat, a friendly virtual space for sharing experiences and encouragement.

  • What if the activities in the challenge don’t feel doable to me?

    Throughout this pilot program, we hope to provide a variety of activities suitable for women from all walks of life. Every Sunday, we will email you with five activities, but don’t feel as though you have to do all five. You can modify to fit your goals and intentions for this Challenge. Completing even one task takes you one step further outside your interpersonal comfort zone. You can see how other participants complete their Challenges in The Ethel Facebook Messenger group chat , a friendly virtual space for sharing experiences and encouragement.

  • What should I do if I have technical trouble signing up?

    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 updated.
    • Close and reopen your browser and try logging in again.
    • If you continue to experience issues, email aarpethel@aarp.org for assistance.