A new year is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about those resolutions you may have for 2017. Whether it be your health, financial or social well-being making a list will help you to stay on track and reach your goals. Making senior New Years resolutions may be different than previous years.
Don’t know where to start? Here is a list of the top 6 senior New Year’s resolutions.
1. Be active
Physical activity is a very important daily routine to start working on. Even if you have ailments or a sickness, mild to moderate physical activity can usually help! Check your health coverage plan to see if you qualify for the SilverSneakers program, a great way to access local fitness centers.
2. Pay attention to what you eat
If you haven’t already, start to really watch what you consume as your everyday diet. We talked about the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines For Older Adults in this article and it is a good place to help you track what you should/shouldn’t be eating.
3. Take a break and enjoy life
You have probably spent so long worrying and stressing over every detail in life. In your older years it is now time for you to give yourself a break. Take time every week to do activities you enjoy. Join a club, a knitting circle, visit old friends or family. This attitude toward life will help maintain your physical and mental health.
4. Don’t fall
It sounds simple but studies show one in every three older adults fall every year. As you get older falls can be more and more dangerous to your physical health. Stay fit by working on your balance and strength through exercise and yoga.
5. Talk about the hard stuff with family and friends
This is not the most fun resolution but it is important to address early. Start a dialogue with your family (or future caregivers) about your desires for care and estate planning. While you are still able minded this is important to relieve the stress later on for both you and your family.
6. Build your brainpower
The more you use your mind the better and longer it will work. There are several activities you can do to help build your mental health; Soduko, word puzzles, social interaction, reading, etc.
Happy new year resolution planning!
