10 New Year’s Resolutions Specifically for Seniors
January is right around the corner — and that means setting goals for the New Year. This is your time to reflect on ways to make any aspect of life better by setting action-oriented goals that move you forward.
How to Make a Resolution for the New Year
Lose 10 pounds. Exercise. Read more. Save money. We’ve all set goals like that, which may be why only 9% of Americans complete their New Year’s resolutions, according to The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business.
A better idea is to set goals that can be measured. You’ll gain further momentum by being held accountable, which you can do by telling a friend, tracking your progress, joining an accountability group, or even hiring a coach. Here are 10 ideas to get you started.
1. Eat Better
This is a wonderful goal shared by millions of Americans, but — like we said — you need to make it more specific. Instead of trying to simply “eat better,” how about setting a goal to try one new healthy recipe each week, eat fruit or vegetables with every meal, or simply strive to begin each day with a glass of water? Another idea would be to schedule a meeting with a dietician. How about finding a healthy cookbook and committing to making every recipe in it over a year?
2. Revisit an Old Hobby
If you’ve spent your life putting hobbies on the back burner, this could be the time to revisit an old passion. Keep yourself on track by setting goals such as reading one book a week, playing the guitar for 15 minutes every day, or signing up to take a watercolor painting class.
3. Keep in Touch With Loved Ones
We all strive for this, but what strategy are you using to reach this goal? One idea is to set a schedule of who you will reach out to and when perhaps even setting reminders on your phone. It can also help to be flexible in how you communicate. You may find, for example, that college students respond better to texts rather than letters or voicemails. Using video calls is an ideal way to keep in touch with little ones. If you’re not tech-savvy, ask for help or look for classes at your local library or community center.
4. Help Others
Giving a part of ourselves to others encourages personal happiness and strengthens wellbeing. So, the next time you’re feeling down or desire a sense of purpose, remember that you’re able to help yourself by helping others. You can do this by making a monthly contribution to your favorite charity, volunteering for an organization you support, or simply cleaning up trash in a local neighborhood park.
5. Establish a Fitness Routine
Exercising more is one of the most common goals for the New Year. Try breaking this lofty goal down into more manageable chunks. That can be as simple as purchasing a pedometer (or a watch that tracks your steps) and setting a goal of reaching a certain number of steps per day. Rather than pledging to take a 3-mile walk every day, you can break up your day with short strolls that leave you feeling refreshed all day.
6. Get Enough Sleep
Restful sleep is essential to your well-being, no matter your age. Contrary to popular opinion, seniors don’t need less sleep than the average person. In fact, all adults need about seven to nine hours a night. Tackle this goal with suggestions put forward by the National Institute on Aging, such as following a sleep schedule, keeping light low in the evening, and getting regular exercise. Getting outside even for 10 minutes, without sunglasses, within an hour or so of waking up can also help keep your Circadian rhythm on track.
7. Declutter
Do you ever look around your home and think that you have too much stuff? Now is the time to go through your possessions and only keep those that are most important to you. It doesn’t need to be overwhelming; go through one room at a time and sort your belongings into those you wish to keep, donate, sell, or throw away.
8. Spend More Time in Nature
It’s well established that spending time in nature benefits both your physical and emotional health. That could mean taking a hike in your local park, but it could also be something as simple as sitting on your patio and reading a book. That’s why, at Springpoint, we provide as many opportunities to get outside as possible through walking paths, pleasant places to sit, private patios and balconies, outdoor dining, and more. One of our communities, Meadow Lakes, is even an accredited arboretum. One of the best New Year’s resolutions for seniors is to get outside every day.
9. Be More Social
It caught America’s attention last year when the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared that loneliness is as bad for us as smoking. His advice? Join a group that meets in person, whether it’s at your local senior center, church, or library. It might also be worth considering moving to an active senior living community if you’re experiencing loneliness. Springpoint’s senior living communities, for example, offer more than a dozen opportunities each day to spend time with others while learning something new, relaxing, or having fun.
10. Practice Confidence
Many people who come across as confident will tell you that they faked it before they felt it. Standing tall, looking people in the eyes, and having a positive mindset are easy steps you can take to look — and eventually become — more confident. Make a resolution to consciously practice these skills when out and about in the world. It’s an easy thing to do that can get your New Year off to a great start.
Keep Your Resolutions With Springpoint
At Springpoint, we want you to thrive and live the best life you possibly can. With maintenance-free living offered at each of our eight Life Plan Communities, there’s no need to worry about the little things — they’re all taken care of for you! You’re left with plenty of extra time to do the things you love the most and accomplish your goals. Contact us today with any questions you may have or to schedule your personal tour.
Springpoint has been helping active seniors plan for a future filled with confidence since 1916, offering Life Plan Communities, senior care communities, a family of affordable housing residences, and age-in-place home care options. Contact us to find out more.
