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How to Make – and Keep – Your New Year’s Resolutions

By December 21, 2018 October 31st, 2019 Senior Living
A couple, a senior man and senior woman, look at a card that reads Happy New Year

Make 2019 your best year yet by taking time to reflect on the past 12 months and then move forward toward a happy and healthy new year. Use this time to refocus your goals, and then choose from these resolutions for healthy aging and an organized life. Picking the ones that speak to you will help you maintain your goals throughout the year.

Making Them Stick

It can be hard to stick to your resolutions and still be going strong by springtime. These tips can help:

  • Make your goals realistic
  • Start small
  • Talk about your goals to other people
  • Don’t get upset if you slip up
  • Visualize, focus and commit

Best Resolutions for Seniors

  1. Staying active – It’s important for seniors to stay physically active. Even mild to moderate physical activity with minimal impact can do wonders for the body and mind. Walking is a great way to start, or have fun and try something new this year:
    1. Yoga classes
    2. Tai chi
    3. Water aerobics
    4. Walking group
  2. Staying socially active – Social connections improve the quality of life, so this year make relationships a priority. Set up times to have dinner with family and friends. Also, consider joining community groups or a church group.
  3. Eat healthy – Get five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Choose produce in a variety of bright colors like leafy greens, red berries and bright citrus. Also, reach for some of these foods instead of sugary or unhealthy options:
    1. Legumes
    2. Almonds
    3. Fish and lean proteins
    4. Green tea
  4. Stay mentally active – Mental health is just as important as physical health so be sure to give your brain a daily workout too. Reading and puzzles are great ways to challenge your brain health.
  5. De-clutter your space – Commit to decluttering and getting rid of items you don’t need. Then spend time organizing what you do decide to keep. This could be your year to tackle those messy closets, and it will help you and your family with future downsizing.1
  6. Find a new hobby – Looking for a new hobby can be a fun way to fill your time and create new social connections. Find something you are passionate about or even take up an old past-time you haven’t thought about in years.
  7. Volunteer – Finding somewhere to volunteer is a great way to spend your time as you help others. Volunteering also gives you a sense of accomplishment and a way to meet new people.
  8. Get legal documents in order – Take time to create or update your legal documents such as a will, advance directive (living will) and any power of attorney documents. Having these up-to-date will give you peace of mind as you enter the upcoming year.
  9. Visit the doctor – Take time to schedule a yearly physical, as preventive medicine is crucial in healthy aging.
  10. Have important conversations – Have you been putting off important conversations with your family? Many people do, but this is the perfect time to tackle those issues. Talk about your future needs such as moving into a senior living community like Hamlet at Chagrin Falls.

Resolve to Explore Senior Living

When you are ready to explore senior living options, check out the full-service rental opportunities at Hamlet. You can choose flexible independent living with the potential of continuum of care. Contact us to learn more and schedule a tour in the upcoming year.

References:

  1. 12 New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors. everydayhealth.com. (accessed Dec 17, 2018).