New Year’s resolutions often go down the drain after a few weeks or months, but there are some that seniors can make that will be easier to keep because they will make life better and maybe even longer. Take a look at the possibilities for seniors in 2023!
Resolutions for Seniors
Live with purpose –
Retirement seems like heaven until boredom sets in. One way to banish boredom and embrace a fulfilling life is to find a purpose. For many seniors, volunteering is a wonderful way to fill the hours and help a cause, while others may prefer a hobby or hands-on pastimes like knitting, woodworking or painting. All it takes is a little effort to define a passion and open new doors to a purposeful and gratifying retirement. Learn how to keep this New Year’s resolution in our blog, “Why Living with Purpose is Good for Every Senior.”
Learn something new –
Another wonderful New Year’s resolution to consider is life-long learning. No matter how many academic degrees one has, there is always room for more knowledge. For some, learning is spurred by curiosity about a specific subject or topic. For others, it may be tied to another pursuit, such as a trip to another country or a new hobby. Or maybe there is a need to brush up on skills like computer use or speaking a new language. The sky’s the limit with life-long learning, such as through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Michigan which also offers trips, lectures, interest and study groups, and special events.
Concentrate on fall prevention –
If you want to live an independent and healthy life, one essential goal should be fall prevention. Falls among seniors are among the most common reasons for debilitating injuries and death in the U.S. each year, but there are simple steps to take to minimize risk. In our blog, “Healthy Senior Living: Fall Prevention and Response Strategies,” we look at the sad statistics, but also proactive ways to address fall prevention and response including exercise to improve balance, clearing up clutter and other hazards, improving lighting, and emergency preparedness.
Eat healthier –
It’s a fact that poor nutrition shortens lifespans so making simple dietary changes can help to make good nutrition a habit rather than an occasional accident. Start with understanding the revamped nutrition labels on all packaged foods as described in the Food and Drug Administration’s document, “What’s New With the Nutrition Facts Label?” This will help to avoid added sugar, unhealthy fats, excess sodium and other undesirables described in the spectrumhealth.com article, “Top 10 food ingredients to avoid.”
Next, take a look at the types of foods seniors should eat to provide the nutrients they need in the health.harvard.edu article, “Healthy eating for older adults.” If losing weight is part of the plan consider using the 80/20 rule which can help promote better nutrition with enough flexibility to enjoy an occasional guilt-free treat. Find out all about it in the today.com article, “Is the 80/20 diet rule healthy? The pros and cons of the eating plan.”
Socialize more –
In retirement seniors often realize they didn’t just lose their workload, but also their circle of workplace friends as well. As time goes by, seniors often lose other friends who pass away or move and soon their social life is down to nothing. But staying social is key to health and longevity so making a New Year’s resolution to connect or reconnect with friends new and old is a great way to stave off isolation and loneliness, two of the greatest risks to seniors. Seniors can join local clubs or fitness centers, attend worship services, make a list of old friends and call a different one every day, or consider a move to a senior living community like Ganton’s Countryside where socialization is as easy as saying “Hello!”
Play every day –
Remember how fun it was to play? Well, playing is still fun, but only if you do it. Make a New Year’s resolution to play online games alone or with others such as those in the mentalup.com article, “Free Brain Games for Seniors,” schedule play dates with grandkids for games of Scrabble, Bingo, or hide-and-seek, or for those who like a challenge take up tennis, learn ballroom dancing, or try karaoke at a local pub. For even more great ways to play, check out the National Institute on Aging’s article, “Fun Ways for Older Adults to Stay Physically Active.”
Ganton’s Countryside is a great place to pursue your best life in retirement. For more information about Countryside, please call Margaret Nagel at (517) 206-5000 or download our brochure to learn about our care levels, cost, and amenities.
