Seniors create New Year resolutions just as enthusiastically as their younger counterparts. Resolving to improve one’s physical health and emotional well-being tops the list for many older people. Aiming to create a healthier and happier lifestyle in the new year will help seniors achieve their personal goals.
1. Resolve to nurture a positive outlook
A positive attitude is infectious and is known to attract equally optimistic people. When surrounded by uplifting individuals, seniors experience significantly reduced loneliness and isolation. Positive seniors feel less stress and are able to successfully confront difficulties – instead of avoiding them altogether.
The emotional benefits of a good attitude are accompanied by improvements to physical health. Research has shown that seniors with a positive outlook heal faster from injuries, have a decreased risk of developing chronic ailments and reduce the chances of developing memory loss.
2. Resolve to help others
While seniors are likely to require assistance from others, older people are also able to provide invaluable support to those in need. Aging individuals who spend a few hours volunteering have a lesser chance of developing depression. Seniors committed to volunteering also reduce their risk for stress.
Older volunteers who contribute time and effort to supporting organizations experience a myriad of health benefits. Helping others keeps seniors socially active, mentally stimulated and physically engaged. These seniors also achieve meaningful feelings of purpose and motivation. Consequently, senior volunteers may live longer.
3. Resolve to make new friends
Remaining socially engaged in later life is critical to well-being. Volunteering is one way for seniors to meet like-minded individuals. Older people who are socially active ward off depression and disability. Social seniors maintain their cognitive abilities. Learning new skills and hobbies is a practical outcome.
A local senior center is an ideal gathering place to make new friends. Senior centers organize daily programs geared to entertain, which brings together seniors who share interests. Seniors have little reason to skip the senior centers, since memberships are free to those 60 and over.
4. Resolve to participate in the arts
Cognitive and mood enhancements are the results of engaging in music, dancing, painting and theater activities. Painting improves hand and eye coordination. Swinging to golden oldies gives seniors a low-impact aerobic workout. Music has the power to stimulate parts of the brain associated with memory.
Seniors have ample access to neighborhood arts programs through local senior centers, where arts activities are a core part of each center’s activity schedules. Aging participants enjoy weekends of country dancing, afternoon singalongs or multidimensional arts projects throughout the year.
5. Resolve to engage in mental workouts
Mental stimulation through a variety of enjoyable activities keeps seniors’ minds sharp. Puzzles work the brain’s quadrants, keeping seniors’ senses alert. Social activities, like playing cards with others, sustains the brain’s nimbleness. Open-mindedness is a welcome result of exercising one’s brain.
Learning challenging, new pursuits can be achieved by taking community classes, participating in local book clubs or joining photography groups. Lecture and panel discussions feed the hungry minds of intellectual seniors. Lifelong learners may explore continuing education at local universities.
6. Resolve to eat nutrient-dense foods
Consuming adequate nutrients is important as people age. Choose to place more fresh fruits and vegetables on the lunch and dinner plates. Eat plenty of whole grains, lean meats, seafood and poultry. Include nuts, seeds and beans to round out a well-balanced diet.
Nutrient-rich foods are essential to seniors’ diets, but calorie-laded foods are not. Set a goal to avoid foods that contribute to unnecessary weight gain and that serve little nutritional purpose, such as sugary desserts and drinks and foods made with refined grains, such as pasta and white bread.
7. Resolve to commit to physical exercise
Four types of physical activities keep seniors’ bodies flexible and strong: aerobic activities, exercises to build muscle strength, exercises to improve flexibility and activities that increase balance. Regular participation in any form of exercise is vital to maintaining an independent lifestyle.
Seniors who engage in yoga, for example, experience the physical health benefits of increased balance, strength and flexibility. Tai chi is another gentle form of exercise that is ideal for the aging body. Walking and swimming are readily accessible activities and highly beneficial to seniors’ cardiovascular health.
8. Resolve to learn technology
Today’s technology keeps people of all ages connected. Seniors might initially hesitate to use technology, but those who attempt to learn to use devices will open their world. Amazon Echo, voice-controlled smart home systems and tablets are a few devices that remarkably improve the lives of seniors.
Medication management devices ensure seniors take medications on schedule. Personal emergency response systems are capable of calling for immediate help when a senior is injured. Computers built with large search screens keep seniors socially connected via online chat rooms, video calls or simply getting the news.
Seniors can enjoy a rich quality of life in the new year by making meaningful adjustments to their daily routines and incorporating the above resolutions. When pursuing goals appears daunting, a supportive caregiver from Assisting Hands Home Care can help make seniors’ New Year resolutions a reality.
Assisting Hands Richmond
Professional caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care Richmond are dedicated to promoting the physical and emotional health of their elder care recipients. We will safely transport your aging loved one to senior centers, yoga classes, volunteer commitments and to doctor’s appointments.
Our caregivers understand that seniors benefit from mental stimulation, so we play card games and engage them in pleasant conversation. We’ll also accompany your loved one on walks to promote steadiness and confidence. Consuming healthy meals is possible with our meal preparation services.
Assisting Hands Richmond service providers are also skilled in providing compassionate, non-medical personal care, such as discreet help with bathing, dressing and transfer care. Each elder care recipient receives personalized care from our dedicated home care providers.
Families and their senior loved ones living in the Richmond Virginia and the surrounding areas are encouraged to consult Assisting Hands Richmond for an in-home assessment and to start our reputable home care services.
