Top 10 Healthy New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors

With a new year comes new opportunities, responsibilities, and of course, the ever-popular new year’s resolution. These resolutions are often easy to declare and then challenging to maintain.  

Sometimes you put your nose to the grindstone and accomplish your solutions before the year is up; other times, your resolutions can slowly fade into the background with the daily minutia. Many resolutions focus on improving mental and physical health, making them inherently difficult resolutions. 

However, these challenging resolutions are much more rewarding than joining a gym when accomplished. As you age, your motivation to remain steadfast to a resolution can fade, and thus resolutions become less critical.  

Moreover, a new year is a prime opportunity for seniors to improve their health mindfully. Here are ten healthy New Year’s resolutions for seniors looking to make 2022 better than 2021 and improve their overall well-being. 

1. Don’t shy away from doctor visits. 

Not everyone jumps at the opportunity to visit the doctor for regular checkups, and most hesitate to explore a potential issue. However, as you age, it is paramount to rely on your health care team to keep you functioning at your absolute best.  

If you are apprehensive about visiting the doctor, keep in mind that you are not merely going for yourself but also for your family and friends. Remember, most people aren’t excited about a doctor’s visit, so you are not alone. Skipping doctor appointments will lead to stress in the future. 

2. Establish and stick to a daily routine.  

Maintaining a routine is a great way to adapt to stress and optimize wellbeing. Get in the habit of eating your meals, engaging in physical activity, and getting in and out of bed at scheduled times each day. Developing a steady routine will allow you to feel grounded, prepared, and better able to adapt. 

3. Get 8 hours of sleep every night. 

Getting 8 hours of sleep each night provides more benefits than you might think. A well-rested individual will enjoy efficiently coping with stressors, improved brain functionality, and a healthier immune system.  

At the same time, their sleep-deprived counterpart painfully suffers through long days. If you struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep, speak with your doctor about it sooner rather than later. Sleep disorders are pervasive and manageable. 

4. Engage in some type of physical activity at least three times per week. 

No matter your age taking some time out of the day to practice physical activity is immensely beneficial. Something as simple as practicing some 

Light yoga: will improve balance and stress management. If yoga is not your thing, no problem, a 30-minute walk around the neighborhood or the local track will enhance your physical and mental wellbeing. Remember to stay hydrated before, during, and after any physical activity. 

5. Eat as best as you can. 

For decades now, medical professionals have affirmed that eating a clean, balanced diet is a habit to keep. The scope of this article can’t include the numerous benefits of a healthy diet. However, healthy eating can support muscle functionality, lower one’s risk to certain diseases and some cancers, as well as boost your immune system. 

Understand that this can be a very challenging resolution, so take your time and do not set the bar high. Small gradual steps will lead to noticeable positive change. If you’d like to learn more about healthy eating, you can read more here. The main priority is to limit your salt, sugar, and saturated fats, and be sure to get enough fiber, veggies, fruits, and plant-based protein. 

6. Hydrate, Even When You Are Not Thirsty.  

Dehydration is one of the leading causes of seniors visiting emergency rooms. Right after you wake up, drink a full glass of water, and fall asleep with a full glass on your nightstand. If you never let yourself, be thirsty, you are on the right track. Staying hydrated will keep your energy levels up, help brain function, and prevent headaches. The big picture here is, don’t be thirsty. 

7. Make time for yourself. 

The notion of engaging in conscious self-care has cemented itself in American culture, which is great because everyone needs “me-time.” There are no structured rules to self-care; establish some boundaries that you believe you’d enjoy and stick to those boundaries.  

The art of letting go of control, drama, and negativity opens the door to tranquility, confidence, and courage. Each week find time for yourself, and selfishly enjoy that time, doing activities that make you happy. In doing this, you’ll bring that positive energy into upcoming situations. 

8. Get organized. 

Organization guru Marie Kondo has written the book on tidying up, and her work has inspired millions to get organized. Kondo recommends discarding items that lack value or do not “spark joy.” You certainly do not need to purchase a book or hire a consultant to get organized.  

Try to work in categories, not rooms, and don’t start if you cannot commit. Getting organized will allow you to lead your ideal lifestyle. While it might take time and effort, the process and the results are certainly worth the work. 

9. Read more. 

On average, readers enjoy better physical health, greater empathy, and better overall mental health than non-readers. Finding suitable material is essential and challenging, but hunting is worth the reward. The benefits of reading, especially for seniors, are impressive.  

Experts claim that reading can improve memory, focus, increase vocabulary, strengthen analytical skills, improve mood, and even reduce stress. Enjoy it if you are lucky enough to find reading material that inspires you. 

10. Take on a new hobby or acquire a new skill. 

Being a lifelong learner is a trait that will pay off in the long run. A curious mind creates an innovative, wise, and confident individual. Whoever said, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”, was mistaken. Seniors can practice several hobbies or skills and benefit from trying something new.  

Hobbies like fly-fishing, crochet, model building, gardening, and painting are rewarding and fun at any age and not physically demanding. Moreover, developing new skills will help improve focus, problem-solving, and stress reduction. You are never too old to learn a new trick. 

New Year Resolutions 

Resolutions are tricky, but they are also tools for improvement and enjoyment. Do your best not to be too hard on yourself if you slide off track of a resolution. Remember, if you are having fun, you’re more likely to stick with it.