New Year’s Resolutions for the Elderly.
A new year means a fresh start, which presents a wonderful opportunity for older adults to adopt habits that can allow them to become healthier and feel better — not just this year, but “for many more years to come”.
For older adults and family caregivers, the start of a new year is a great chance to make changes — but it’s important to remember that progress doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, the beginning of the year can be a great chance to sit down with your elderly loved ones and help them set their New Year’s resolutions, or their list of goals and hopes for the year to come.
Why Set New Year’s Resolutions and Goals?
According to studies, about 40 percent of all Americans, make New Year’s resolutions every year. For older adults, setting down a list of goals and plans for the year can be a powerful first step in living the lifestyle they’ve always wanted — whether that means living more independently, making new friends, becoming more physically active, or kicking unhealthy habits such as smoking or drinking.
Setting resolutions has become a popular ritual for a reason! “setting resolutions actually has practical value for older people and can impact your overall health positively.”
Also Older adults with a sense of purpose experience better physical health. Setting resolutions can also allow seniors to enter a new year with a more positive outlook, which has been shown to help minimize the risk for developing heart disease and dementia.
Healthy, Positive New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors
Helping your elderly loved one set down their resolutions can be a crucial first step in empowering them to live a more active and healthy life. Looking for some ideas to bring up with your elderly loved ones? Here are a few ideas;
Eat a more balanced diet.This year, encourage your senior to eat more regularly, and focus on getting healthy servings of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Get more active. Even just a few minutes of physical activity a day! More walks, joining a senior fitness class, stretching, or simply picking up an active hobby around the house.
Meet new people.
Declutter and organize. Decluttering and organizing can help make the home a safer, more livable place, allowing your loved one to live more independently.
Make home safer. Falls are among the most serious health concerns facing older adults. Make safety a priority by installing grab bars, adding ramps, and organizing furniture.
Keep your mind active. try something new every day, to learning a language, to playing games or taking up arts and crafts projects.
Tell your story. For seniors, a positive New Year’s resolution could be as simple as writing down their thoughts, or telling their life stories.
Check in with your healthcare provider.
Get plenty of rest. Sleep is incredibly important for older adults.Adopt some new sleep habits, or consult with a specialist to get to the bottom of their difficulties.
Did that list help you feel inspired, or get you thinking about your own set of goals? What would you add to your personal list of New Year’s resolutions for the elderly?
