This was originally written for the December 2025 Age-Friendly DC newsletter.
Dr. Katrina Polk, Ph.D., MPA, CAPS, PMP, leads the DC Villages Collaborative. Over her career, she has led public and private-sector organizations focused on serving older adults, including developing programs for aging in community at the Community Preservation and Development Corp.; building strategic alliances for affordable housing at Enterprise Community Partners; and, overseeing community and aging services for the city of District Heights, Maryland. Dr. Katt also founded Dynamic Solutions for the Aging, a social enterprise firm focused on solutions for the health and housing industries, with a focus on aging and community development. She was appointed co-chair of the Housing Domain for Age-Friendly DC and sits on the AARP DC Executive Council.
Dr. Katt, what would you say to your younger self?
If I could speak to my younger self now at 57 years old, I would say…
Stop worrying so much about what others think. Your worth isn’t determined by anyone else’s opinion. The people who matter will love and accept you just as you are—quirks, missteps, and all. Perfection is a trap; embrace the messiness of growth. You’ll learn more from your mistakes than your successes. Don’t waste energy trying to fit into a mold that was never meant for you. Your uniqueness is your superpower—let it shine.
I know you’re anxious about the future and afraid of change, but trust the path. The heartbreaks you experience will teach you the most profound lessons about resilience and self-love. The awkwardness you feel right now? It fades. The passions you’re nurturing—keep feeding them. They’re not silly distractions; they’re the compass guiding you toward a fulfilling life.
Be brave enough to say “no,” and open enough to say “yes” to unexpected adventures. Travel—even if it’s solo and scary. Talk to strangers. Learn to manage your money better (seriously!).
Most importantly, be kind to yourself. You’re doing better than you think. The future you’re striving for is brighter than you can imagine, but you must enjoy the journey now. Take a deep breath. You’ve got this—get movin’!