10 New Year's Resolutions for Seniors
What do you want to achieve in the new year? It’s never too late to set goals and adopt new behaviors! The start of a new year provides a great opportunity for everybody — including seniors — to set some new goals. If you haven't chosen a resolution for the coming year yet, keep reading. These 10 New Year's resolutions for seniors can help you have a healthy and joyful year.
1. Stay physically active.
Exercising more is one of the most common New Year's resolutions that people set. If you only set one goal for yourself, getting more frequent exercise is a great choice — it's no secret that exercise benefits both the body and the mind. By staying physically active, you'll reduce your risk of illnesses like heart disease and some cancers, and you'll get a great mood boost as well. You can always customize your workout to suit your current fitness level. For instance, something as simple as taking a fifteen-minute walk every day is enough to make a difference in your overall health. If you are truly struggling with mobility issues, the help of a home caregiver can give you the support you need to increase your exercise options.
2. Broaden your support network.
Everyone needs social support and having a good support network is especially important for people as they get older. Make an effort to reconnect with old friends, spend more time with your grandkids, and meet new people on a regular basis. If you feel like you need more practical support, home care services can be a great option. Home caregiving can make every aspect of life easier, from housekeeping to socializing.
3. Make healthy food choices.
Have you ever heard the saying, "Garbage in, garbage out?" It's true — if you eat poorly, your health will suffer and you'll feel less mentally sharp. Set a goal to eat plenty of vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains this year. Steer clear of processed foods that contain a lot of salt or sugar. Not a fan of cooking? Home caregiving services can help you eat well without spending a lot of money on restaurants or delivery food. A home caregiver can also help with meal plans and getting groceries.
4. Participate in hobbies you enjoy.
Hobbies are important for people of all ages, because they're enjoyable and they give you a sense of accomplishment. Whether you like reading, knitting, playing board games, or doing something else, make time for your hobbies on a regular basis. And know that you're never too old to pick up a new hobby! 2018 might be the perfect time to try a fun activity you've never done before.
5. Challenge your mind.
Keeping your mind busy is one of the keys to maintaining good cognitive function, so challenge yourself. If you like puzzles, make a resolution to do a crossword puzzle or a sudoku every day. If you've always enjoyed learning, sign up for a class at your community center or a local college. Reading regularly is another great way to keep your mental muscles strong.
6. See your doctor regularly.
Everyone should get regular checkups, but it's especially important for seniors to see their doctor on a regular basis. As people get older, their risk for certain health problems increases. It's important to catch any illness or disease as early as possible so that it can be treated. And even if you're not sick, your doctor can give you some lifestyle pointers on how to stay in good shape for the long haul.
7. Quit smoking.
It's always a good decision to quit smoking, no matter what age you are. The sooner you quit, the more you'll reduce your risk of developing health problems like heart disease and lung cancer. You have more options than just going cold turkey. Talk to your doctor if you want to quit smoking but aren't sure how to start.
8. Cut back on alcohol.
Alcohol isn't exactly healthy for anybody, but it poses extra risks for seniors. You're more likely to fall after having a few drinks, and alcohol can increase inflammation throughout your body, making you more susceptible to a variety of diseases. You don't have to give up drinking entirely, but try to keep your alcohol intake to one drink a day at maximum.
9. Get at least eight hours of sleep a night.
Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, getting enough sleep is an important part of staying healthy. Staying well-rested keeps your immune system strong and makes you less vulnerable to mental health problems like depression. If you have an irregular sleep schedule, or if you regularly get fewer than 8 hours of sleep every night, set a resolution to improve your sleep habits.
10. Find reasons to laugh every day.
Laughter really is the best medicine. Seeing the lighter side of life is good for your emotional health, but that's not all — it can also help reduce chronic pain and improve your circulation. On top of that, it's just fun to laugh, especially if you're sharing a laugh with your friends or family. Go ahead and set a goal to watch more funny movies, seek out new comedians, and spend time with people who make you laugh in 2018.
Do You Need Home Care Services in California?
Home care services can give you the extra support you need. If you've been looking for a way to make this a great year, consider adopting one of these New Year's resolutions for seniors. And if you need help implementing resolutions, consider hiring a home caregiver. Whether you want to take care of your physical health, expand your support network by hiring home care services, or spend more time on rewarding hobbies, the beginning of a new year provides you a wonderful opportunity to try new things and improve your life.
Contact Alegre Home Care to inquire about our home care services and discover options that are suited to your lifestyle.
