The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on your life over the past 12 months, and then look ahead to set goals for a fresh start in January. Don’t let your plans for the New Year get lost in the shuffle by February. Instead, make them a priority for the entire year. Keeping your resolutions is much easier to do when you choose goals that are meaningful to you.
If you need ideas for New Year’s resolutions, here are three suggestions for you to consider:
1. Stay or Get Healthy
If you start small and only make one change at a time, you will still be going strong with this resolution by spring.
Stay Active
Staying active is the key to healthy aging. Even just a few minutes of exercise has numerous health benefits, including improving blood sugar, strengthening your bones and muscles, and improving your balance. Try making small changes to stay active, such as:
- Taking the stairs when you can
- Parking farther from store entrances
- Joining a mall walking group
- Starting a fitness class, such as yoga or water aerobics
Eat Healthy
Getting five servings of fruits and vegetables each day is important to good health. Choose produce in a variety of colors to get all the nutrients you need. Dark leafy greens, red berries and bright citrus are a few options to consider.
Stay Mentally Active
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so be sure to give your brain a consistent workout. Reading, crossword puzzles and sudoku are great ways to challenge yourself mentally.
2. Pick Up a New Hobby or Volunteer Work
Finding a new hobbies or revisiting an old one is a great way to fill your time and stay socially active. For example, you could select an activity you used to be passionate about and share it with your grandchild. This is the perfect way to bond and stay in touch with family members. Some hobbies to consider include:
- Fishing
- Crocheting
- Painting
- Gardening
- Dance classes
- Golf
- Cooking classes
- Book club
Another fulfilling way to spend your time is by looking for local volunteer opportunities. Volunteering also helps seniors by providing a sense of accomplishment, increasing your self-confidence, and bringing a sense of fulfillment that comes from helping others.
3. Update Legal Documents
If you have not already created your important legal documents, contact a lawyer in the new year to get them underway. You may not think about them now, but they are crucial when the time comes. This is true of:
- Will and/or trust
- Advance directives (Living Wills)
- Power of attorney documents
- Do Not Resuscitate and/or Do Not Intubate
If you have these in place, this is a good time to review each one and make sure there are no changes that need to be made.
How to Stick with Your Resolutions
Making resolutions stick can be a difficult, so creating realistic goals can help. Some tips on how to keep your New Year’s resolutions include:
- Start small. Make little changes over time instead of trying to change everything at once.
- Talk about your goals with other people.
- Don’t get upset when you slip up.
- Reward yourself when you stay committed to your goals.
- Track your progress to see how far you’ve come.
Healthy Living for Seniors at Peregrine
Considering downsizing to a senior living community in the new year? Explore our senior living options and services at Peregrine. Our vibrant communities are designed with seniors in mind, and we strive to offer an enriching environment with plenty of opportunities for personal growth and fulfilling experiences. Contact us for more information or to schedule a personal tour today.
