The stroke of midnight on December 31st brings the opportunity for a fresh start. It will be a new year and time to stop looking back and throw away all those 2022 bad habits. Have you thought of what your New Year’s resolution will be yet?
Resolutions provide us with goals and a sense of purpose. They’re not supposed to be impossible tasks and doings. It’s important that you set attainable resolutions so as not to be disappointed or too hard on yourself. When planning out your 2023 resolutions, focus on things that you’re passionate about and that you’re truly ready to change and make a priority in your life. Then, write it down. You’ve taken the first step by writing it down and acknowledging it.
Need some ideas? Here are some of the top New Year’s resolutions for seniors.
Exercise 10 Minutes A Day
Exercise is by far one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions, even for seniors. It’s also one of the top failed New Year’s resolutions. Rather than just say “exercise,” give yourself a realistic and achievable goal of just exercising 10 minutes a day. That’s all. It could be 10 minutes of walking, 10 minutes of swimming, or 10 minutes of core stretching. Just pick something you enjoy. If you like to dance, dance while you watch television. The goal is just to get moving. The more you do it, the easier it will get, and you may actually begin to increase your exercise time without even trying to do so.
Explore New Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is one of the best ways to give back. You’re not only helping others, but you’re also helping yourself and your health. A study by Carnegie Mellon University showed that adults over the age of 50 who volunteered regularly were less likely to develop high blood pressure than those who did not. Volunteering and helping others provides you with a purpose and helps to motivate you. If you like to cook, volunteer at a soup kitchen and help prepare the meals. Or, if you like animals, volunteer at your local animal shelter. There are countless volunteer opportunities; find something that will bring you enjoyment.
Revive an Old Friendship
Friends are important. They provide company and companionship, and they provide us with several well-being benefits. Being social is vital to living a long and happy life. We’re not saying you have to be the social butterfly of the group, but you should be able to interact with others, especially friends. Is there an old friend you haven’t talked to in a while? If so, reach out to them. You never know what someone else is going through. Maybe they need comfort or a listening ear. You can’t make up for lost time, but you can make the most of what time you do have.
Declutter Your Home
Decluttering your home may also be one of the top New Year’s resolutions for seniors. It’s a way to downsize, clean your home, and declutter your mind. We all react to our environment. If we’re in a house with things everywhere, we can have difficulty thinking and focusing. Clutter leads to a cluttered mind. Clutter not only affects your environment but can also start to impinge on your mental well-being and happiness. If you eliminate the clutter from your home and life, you’ll begin to feel refreshed and renewed.
Safe Proof Your Home
Once you get done decluttering your home, take the time to guard it against falls. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an older adult falls every second, with one out of every five falls resulting in an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury. The best way to protect yourself is with prevention. Eliminate items in your home that could be a tripping hazard, like throw rugs or loose cords on the ground. Ensure there is proper lighting in all parts of the house so you can see where you’re going, especially at night. Install grab bars in the bathroom to help you get in and out of the shower. In addition to safeguarding your home, exercise to build core strength, which will help with your balance and keep you on two feet.
No matter what you decide to adopt as your New Year’s resolutions, make them a priority. Challenge yourself and know that you can do it! Happy New Year.