Bend’s Prestige Senior Living residents set to ring in the new year with reflection, resolutions and advice

'The good things are yet to come.' ... 'I'm looking for what I can give' ... 'Always do the right thing'

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- New Year's is a fun-filled holiday celebration with champagne and fireworks. Whatever the age, it’s also a time to reflect on celebrations past and what the future holds. 

 At Bend's Prestige Senior Living, residents were quick Friday to offer advice about making New Year's resolutions.

One resident, Donna Matteis, shared her two cents: "Oh, just be more optimistic. The good things are yet to come."

And another, Joan Wilson, shared her New Year's resolution, explaining: "As you get older, you tend to remember the not-too-great things that happen in your life. I’ve decided its time to let all that go. And I just think of the funny and happy things we did over the years."

 Many of the testaments included being more optimistic, focusing on the positive and trying your best to give to others. 

Harvey Rubenstein said, "I’m not looking for what I can get. I’m looking for what I can give."

Betty Jorgenson said, "I hope I can live long enough to help people and try to be happy and not be too negative on things. I try to pick the positive side of life."

Even with the many decades lived and life experience gained, the seniors still find value in setting meaningful goals.

Rubenstein said, "March 12, 1986. I gave up drinking and drugs, and its been a good 37 1/2 years for me. And I would recommend that people that can improve themselves by coming up with something that they do that isn’t good for them. That they give it up."

Another common theme for the residents centered on navigating life choices in the new year and beyond.

"Always do the right thing," resident Faye Naumer said. "Don't be tempted to go astray on another path because it sounds like maybe it’d be a lot more fun. Because there’s only one right way, and that’s the path of integrity."

The residents will have a chance to ring in the  new year with their own celebration at Prestige. Many are grateful the holidays bring much-enjoyed visits from family.