The New Year is an excellent time for everyone, including older adults, to set goals and create a healthier, happier lifestyle. The following New Year’s resolutions can help older adults get healthier in 2022 and ‘Live Happy’ for many more years to come.
5 New Year’s Resolutions for Older Adults
1. Eat Healthy & Drink More Water
Studies show that as we age and slow down, we need less food. However, we must make healthier decisions about what we eat. Opt for a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats. By skipping out on all processed food, especially sugar, and opting for healthy food choices instead, you will live longer and feel better. It’s always a good time to start making smart food decisions. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated as well!
2. Learn Something New
It is beneficial for people of all ages to challenge their brains and give their brain a workout by learning new things. Research shows that when older adults learn a new skill, it strengthens the connections between different parts of their brain and helps ward off dementia. This could be something as simple as reading a new book, taking a class in something that interests you, making a new friend, or finishing a degree.
3. Get Active Every Day
While you don’t have to do any intense lifting workouts, it is beneficial for older adults to take time each day to get active. Whether it’s walking, stretching, tai chi, or a yoga or pilates exercise class, engaging in 10-15 minutes of physical activity a day can improve your health. In fact, exercise can make you feel happier, increase your sleep quality, give you more energy, improve your brain health and decrease your risk for heart disease, enhance productivity, and help you live longer. Exercise classes are also a great way for seniors to meet new people.
Nye Health Services campuses offer a diverse range of indoor and outdoor activities, including programs for the mind, body, and spirit. No matter your interest, we have something to keep everyone active!
4. Stay Social
Socialization and staying connected are vital for older adults and are often linked to better cognition, overall health, and a lower risk of depression. Take time out of each day to have a conversation with a neighbor, friend, or family member. Even if you live far apart, try scheduling regular phone calls or video chats to keep in touch.
5. Plan Ahead
Having conversations about estate planning, wills, as well as long-term care plans can be uncomfortable. However, these conversations can be tremendously beneficial down the road. Set aside time this year to make sure your will and other estate planning documents are in order. Also, make sure your family understands your wishes if they need to assist you in making healthcare decisions in the future. Discussing these things in advance ensures that your desires are communicated and understood by those who will help you make those decisions when the time comes.
New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors
The dawn of a new year brings with it a chance for transformation and growth, and these New Year’s resolutions offer a roadmap for older adults to kick bad habits and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. Embracing a diet rich in healthy foods, engaging in continuous learning, staying active, fostering social connections, and planning for the future are pathways to a happier and healthier life. Here’s to a year of thriving, embracing change, and living life to its fullest potential!
Additional Information: The Life-Changing Benefits of Exercise After 60 – National Council on Aging (NCOA)
Nye Health Services | Independent & Assisted Living Communities
Nye Health Services is passionate about providing older adults with a wide range of wellness and health services that maximize health and well-being. If you are searching for a senior living community, explore one of our five locations in eastern Nebraska. Each campus provides award-winning health and wellness services, comfortable apartments, and numerous amenities to help you live 2022 to the fullest! Contact us today to learn more about what sets Nye apart or to schedule a tour of a community near you!