2021 Resolutions for Seniors

January 4, 2021

Have you considered what your 2021 New Year’s resolutions are going to be? Do you want to be healthier and more active? Do you want to find new ways to communicate with others? Would you like to be more engaged with your community?

For seniors, prioritizing health becomes more important with every passing year. Top resolutions for seniors often include age-appropriate lifestyle changes that focus on improving health, engaging more with others, and focusing on a more active and happier lifestyle. Southwest Florida offers a huge range of opportunities for seniors to find a new passion, hobby, or goal.

Here are some of the best New Year’s Resolutions for seniors, 2021 edition!

Top New Year’s Resolutions and goals

Any New Year’s resolution for seniors should include positive ways to boost health and overall quality of life. They should be attainable and reasonable goals.

Eat Healthier

With age comes weight gain, hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Some of them can be managed through our nutrition. We need fewer calories but more nutrients.

Look to add more fruits and vegetables to your meals. Pick seafood and poultry more often than red meat. Include whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Cook with healthier fats like olive and avocado oil.

Use more spices to reduce the amount of salt you consume. Look to alternatives like fruit and dark chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth while reducing sugar from your diet.

Exercise Every Day

Staying active is the key to healthy aging. Older adults should focus on four types of activity: aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance.

Just a little bit goes a long way. Start by adding 10 minutes of activity to your day. Increase it slowly and work your way up to 30 minutes of activity a day. You don’t have to do it all at once. Even 10 minutes three times a day will have a positive impact on your wellbeing.

Consider exercises like walking and swimming for your aerobic activity. Yoga is a great way to incorporate strength, flexibility, and balance in one exercise!

Exercise Your Brain Too

Try to learn something new every day. Lifelong learning is important to keep your brain resilient and help you deal with stress. Keeping your cognitive skills sharp reduces the chance of memory loss.

Take a class through your community or local university. Join a book club, learn a new language, or find a photography group. Find a game you enjoy – like sudoku or crossword puzzles – and increase the difficulty level to keep challenging your brain to adapt and work harder.

Find a New Hobby

Find ways to engage in activities you enjoy. Creative activities like painting, writing, and playing a musical instrument can improve your mood and challenge your brain. Or pick something more meditative and relaxing like fishing, crocheting, or gardening.

Look for Volunteer Opportunities

Did you know that volunteering can reduce stress and depression? It might even help you live longer. Regular volunteer work keeps you mentally, physically, and socially active. Plus, it’s a great way to give back to your community.

People who volunteer report increased self-confidence and fulfillment in their lives. It’s a great way to meet other people to stave off loneliness and isolation. And, it helps you appreciate what is good in your life.

Become a Social Butterfly

Whether you’re an introvert or the life of the party, all older adults benefit from a little social activity. It’s linked to increased cognitive skills, lower depression, and improved health overall.

Find new friends through volunteering activities, book clubs, or community classes. Consider the social advantages of a senior community. You’ll always find someone with a similar interest to play cards or go for a walk with you.

Use technology to help you keep in touch with family and friends. Use email, social media platforms, and video chats to connect with others. And, don’t forget the classics – telephone calls and letter writing still work just as well, too.

Maintain a Positive Outlook

Many people downplay the importance of having a positive outlook. It doesn’t mean avoiding conflict or looking at the world through rose-colored glasses.

It means focusing on what you can change and not stressing about what you can’t.

It’s been linked to a lot of health benefits. People with a positive outlook have a lower risk of memory loss and chronic disease and decreased feelings of loneliness. They feel less isolated and recover from injuries and illnesses faster.

Try to incorporate positive thinking exercises into your day. Keep a journal or make a gratitude list to remind you of your positive intentions.

Prioritize Your Overall Health

Every 2021 Seniors New Year Resolutions should include being more proactive about your health. Keep up with your annual check-ups. They’re important for preventative care and catching potential issues early. Review your insurance and Medicare benefits every year to make sure your coverage is still right for you.

Use technology to stay on top of medications and monitor your heart rate. Use apps to track your exercise routines or help you quit smoking. Take advantage of telehealth to consult with your doctor from the comfort of your home.

If you need help, ask for it. Whether you need help with household chores, grocery shopping, transportation, or just someone to talk to. There are resources available to help with all of these things and more.

If you need more than just a little help around your home, that’s available too. Places like Just Life Family Agency can offer caregiver referrals to help you when you need it.

Senior New Year’s Resolutions

Use these New Year’s resolutions to guide you into a joyful and happy 2021. Be intentional with your goals to stay active and healthy in the coming year.

Posted in Self Improvement, Senior Activities