Why Resolutions Are Important
For older adults, it’s easy to lose touch with the tradition of making resolutions. But setting goals can help seniors gain a better perspective on aging. They enrich us all with a greater sense of purpose and perspective that helps us feel better about ourselves.
Data reported by the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that older adults with a stronger sense of purpose are more likely to enjoy the benefits of physical health than their counterparts.
While you shouldn’t have to feel that you should disrupt your life to meet your resolution goals, you should start thinking about what you’ve always been passionate about and how you can channel that energy. With just a few moments of mindful behavior a day, you could easily be on your way to achieving a life-long dream.
Our Top Seven Resolutions for Seniors
We’ve provided a list of seven resolutions for seniors and their caretakers to consider:
1. Practice Mindfulness
No goal is achievable without the right mindset. When you practice mindfulness, you can enter a state of awareness that helps you better realize your current position. We welcome honesty about how you’re feeling and what you want to change going forward.
Mindfulness is vital for helping you achieve your goals, but you should also embrace having a positive mindset to minimize stress levels. Research suggests that positive thinking can be associated with longevity and other benefits like less isolation, lower risk of chronic disease, and faster recovery from injury.
2. Explore Healthier Eating Goals
Think about exploring healthier food choices this year. Making sure you have a healthy diet is one of the best ways to prevent health conditions like high blood pressure and heart attacks.
As we age, our bodies need fewer calories but more nutrients. As such, seniors should try eating at least five servings of fruits and veggies daily. Healthy foods like whole grains, healthy fats, fish, nuts, and legumes can also do wonders for your immune system. But before you completely reinvent your diet, talk to your doctor about the food plan that’s best for you.
3. Increase Your Physical Activity
As we age, we tend to neglect our exercise. The older and frailer we get, the harder it is to get back into a routine. But working back up to a consistent schedule isn’t impossible.
Getting more physical activity is another great way to fight against illness. Not only does it prevent living a sedentary lifestyle, but it also has natural benefits that improve mental and emotional health.
We suggest starting with a simple routine at a reasonable pace, like taking a brisk five to ten-minute walk before moving up to more physically challenging activities, like water aerobics. Consider researching “activities for seniors” to find something with great health benefits that speaks to you.
Are you or a loved one a senior living at home and wondering how you can better manage your standard of living? We can help you get personalized home care services.
4. Spend Time With Family
Older adults often struggle with keeping in contact with family members , especially those living in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Make a vow to stay connected with your loved ones this year by contacting your family.
If you can, try things like hosting family dinners, chatting with your nieces and nephews over the phone and on social media, and asking for help going out on errands. If you have grandchildren, spend as much time as possible with them. Take an interest in their education and hobbies as you show your love.
5. Make New Social Connections
Spending time with family is great for forming social connections, but so is reaching out to old friends and making new ones. Many seniors have been amazed to get in contact with old friends they hadn’t seen for decades, which—thanks to social media—has become much easier to do so.
And, unfortunately, for those who have had friends who may have passed away or live states away, it’s still good to try your hand at making new connections. Meeting up with people at places like cafes, parks, and even while walking a dog is great for improving cognition and lowering the chance of depression.
6. Improve Your Mental Stimulation
Spend time this year improving your cognition. If you’ve been feeling forgetful lately, know that this is a typical sign of aging, but you can work to find natural ways to keep your mind sharp.
Strengthen your mind with meaningful activities for seniors. Practice doing crossword puzzles, reading, and playing small brain games regularly to encourage stimulation. Consider auditing a college class you’ve always thought about taking or learning a new skill.
7. Explore an Old (Or New) Hobby
Don’t let your age get in the way of your passions. Even if you may not be able to do every task the same way you used to, keep your interests fresh by picking up a hobby.
You can fight against the lull of the same old routine by picking up something you’ve always wanted to do or have a special talent like crocheting, playing an instrument, painting, or chess. Not only does this provide mentally stimulating side effects, but it’s an example of healthy habits for seniors that reduces boredom and shows clear progression.
AVCC Connects Veterans to the Best Quality Care Services
At American Veterans Care Connection, we assist Veterans and their spouses with the resources to find adequate home care services. Our clients can rest easy knowing that with our help, AVCC will always meet their resolutions.
Are you a Veteran ready to get started on your New Year’s resolutions, but you need caregiver assistance first? We can help you get your needs in order. Contact us today.
