It’s time to put 2021 in the rearview mirror and drive into 2022. A new year, a fresh start, time to get on track to Better Health. New Year’s resolutions for older adults can be a bit of a challenge. Most people who make resolutions come up with elaborate and lofty goals that aren’t realistic. Consequently, they set themselves up for failure before they even have a chance to get started.
Resolutions should be based on achievable goals and some sort of self-improvement. So, why not make those goals be ones that will boost your health and quality of life? You’d be amazed at how minor adjustments or additions to your daily routine can have significant impacts on your health. It’s all about getting healthy and staying healthy!
And to do just that, here are some realistic New Year’s resolutions for older adults that are not just attainable but easy to accomplish.
Eat A Healthier More Nutrient-Dense Diet
The older we get, the fewer calories we need. This might seem okay since our appetites tend to decrease with age. But what it really means is that what we do eat needs to be healthy to make up for the loss of calories. While you may need fewer calories with age, you need more vitamins and minerals.
Add nutrient-rich foods to your diet, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, seafood, lean meats and poultry, beans, nuts, and seeds. Try to avoid fried foods and sugary treats and drinks. In addition, be sure you are drinking enough water. Hydration helps to keep your whole body running and moving.
Be Active By Joining A Senior Wellness Group
One of the best ways to be diligent and stick to an exercise regimen is by doing it with other people. Senior wellness groups or programs, such as SilverSneakers, are great resources and motivators. These programs help you get active, get fit, and connect with others.
They often offer a variety of workout classes that you can do in person or in the comfort of your own home. In addition, they also usually provide health and nutrition information and workshops. Some senior wellness programs are available through your insurance. SilverSneakers is offered at no additional cost to seniors 65+ on eligible Medicare plans.
Visit Your Healthcare Provider
At VIPcare, we believe in seeing your doctor more than just when you’re sick. We say it all the time, prevention is key. By visiting your primary care doctor regularly, you’re better able to detect or spot something early before it becomes a major health crisis. Catching diseases or illnesses in the early stages gives you a better chance of treating and overcoming them. You should always schedule an annual wellness exam with your provider so you can take care of any health screenings that need to be done. This also gives you a chance to discuss any concerns you may have.
Stimulate Your Brain
Along with your appetite decreasing, you may be noticing your memory dwindling a bit with age. Things that used to come so simple, like remembering a grocery list, now become a challenge. Sadly, once you retire, you do not have to use your brain like you once did, so it begins to develop a little bit of dust. The more you use your brain, the better it works. Take up reading or doing crosswords. Anything that can stimulate your brain will help to keep your mind sharp and ward off memory loss or developing dementia. Socialization is also a great way to engage your mind.
Be Kind To Yourself
This might sound kind of silly, but we’re all guilty of beating ourselves up from time to time. Such as when we don’t succeed at something that we’re trying to do or slip up and cheat on our diet. We’re all human, and we’re all going to make mistakes. So, go easy on yourself if something isn’t working out how you had liked or planned. New Year’s resolutions for older adults (or really anyone) are challenging to keep. Take things day by day, and if you take a few steps backward, look to the future and know the next day is a fresh start.