Have a happy, healthy year with these resolutions.
The past year was challenging for most seniors. But what’s the best way to persevere through challenges? Setting clear goals.
“Resolutions are goals. And when you have goals, you have purpose,” says US News. A 2019 study showed that people without a strong sense of purpose were more than twice as likely to die during the period of the research.
All of these resolutions can help you to have a happy, healthy 2021, living with purpose and enjoying your life!
Exercise every day
Talk with your healthcare provider about what exercises would benefit you most.
- Take walks outdoors if possible. This can be a great way to socialize with a friend!
- Try tai chi, chair yoga, or pilates.
- If you have yard space to garden, this can keep you physically active and be immensely rewarding.
- Try swimming or aqua jogging.
- Do strength-training workouts with light hand weights.
These days, you can find a wealth of workout classes online, giving you real-time guidance and motivation!
Eat nutrient-dense foods
As you age, you require fewer calories but need foods packed with nutrition. These tips will help you make healthy choices:
- Choose a range of veggies and fruits with deep or bright colors. Eat five servings a day.
- Eat nuts and legumes every day.
- Opt for whole-grain bread and pasta and brown rice.
- Choose lower-fat meats like chicken and turkey and eat fish twice a week.
- Have two servings of low-fat milk, cheese, or yogurt each day.
The USDA’s MyPlate website offers much more valuable advice on healthy eating.
Keep your mind sharp
Here are a few activities that will help you stay mentally active:
- Taking a class.
- Learning a new hobby.
- Doing puzzles and playing games that stimulate your mind.
Some colleges allow seniors to audit courses for free. And now, many of those courses are held online! That means you could attend class from your living room. Choose a new subject you’ve always been curious about or a familiar one you want to delve deeper into.
Doing crossword puzzles and playing card games can help keep your mind sharp, too.
Stay connected with loved ones
Even if you can’t have regular in-person visits with your loved ones, connect with them via video chat. Consider making things to share with your children or grandchildren, like a scrapbook or craft. They’ll become treasured keepsakes, and they’re a great way to show that you’re thinking of your loved ones even when they’re miles away. Preserving your memories, whether by writing a memoir or recording them, also makes an invaluable gift.
We wish you all the best in 2021. These resolutions will help you make the most of your year, promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
Sources
Healthy Aging, “Tip Sheet: Top 10 Healthy New Year’s Resolutions for Older Adults”
https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/tip-sheet-top-10-healthy-new-years-resolutions-older-adults
Senior Lifestyle, “7 Best Exercises for Seniors (and a Few to Avoid!)”
https://www.seniorlifestyle.com/resources/blog/7-best-exercises-for-seniors-and-a-few-to-avoid/
Silver Sneakers, “Classes for You”
https://www.silversneakers.com/learn/classes/
USDA, “MyPlate”
https://www.myplate.gov/life-stages/older-adults
US News, “Having New Year’s Resolutions as You Age Might Just Save Your Life”
https://health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/new-years-resolutions-for-seniors
