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The new year is a time for new beginnings. As we get older, it can be more challenging to keep a consistent schedule or retain an incentive to search for ways to connect, stay creative and productive, and remain life-long learners. However, setting new year’s resolutions can help seniors reflect on achievements from the previous year and create new goals to remain motivated and energized. Whether it’s improving your overall health or crossing off major to-do list items, planning in advance can help you get into the right frame of mind.
Unsure of where to start? Read on for tips and suggestions on how seniors can make and keep new year’s resolutions.
5 New Year’s Resolutions Tips for Seniors
Make Reasonable Goals
Set yourself up for success by considering attainable goals. Are you trying to exercise more to encourage healthy living? Start with activities such as taking longer walks, joining beginner’s yoga classes, or going for slow jogs with friends. Do you want to become more social? Reach out to friends and family for coffee or lunch, or schedule a date to chat over the phone or FaceTime.
By starting small, you won’t burn out quickly. Instead, each step takes you towards your goal.
Stay Optimistic
It’s okay to falter – don’t feel discouraged if you need a rest day, to cheat on your diet, or adjust your schedule. Progress takes time, patience, and persistence. Push through setbacks and remind yourself why you want to achieve your goal and remember to be kind to yourself! This way, you’ll feel even more satisfaction when you reach your goal.
Ask for Support
Everyone needs help at times, especially as we get older. This new year, consider how you can delegate responsibilities so you achieve tasks as well as rest and recharge. If you or your senior loved one needs help delegating or accomplishing tasks, a home care agency can offer assistance while enabling seniors to remain in the comfort of their own homes. A home care provider can serve as an excellent substitute or addition to family and friends for hands-on care.
A home caregiver can help with tasks such as:
- Meal preparation for a healthy lifestyle
- Offering companionship
- Managing prescriptions
- Providing transportation to appointments, classes, or social events
- Supervising physical activity for safety
- Performing light chores like vacuuming or washing dishes
Caregiver jobs allow seniors to remain safe, comfortable, and dignified during their golden years.
Prepare for the Future
There is no better time to cross off major to-do list items than the beginning of the year. Organizing important documents for your estate such as your will and assets can help seniors and their loved ones relieve stress and mitigate difficult tasks should an emergency occur. While these tasks aren’t necessarily enjoyable, the entire family will feel grateful once they’re done.
Invest in New Hobbies
Age is just a number! Many older adults can learn novel skills such as a new language or instrument or develop new hobbies like crafting or cooking. Seniors can also spend time volunteering for their local communities in a variety of ways by using their personal and professional skillsets.
A great way to nourish hobbies and interests is by joining senior communities through adult day programs, or by hiring a caregiver to assist with such tasks.