9 Tips for Seniors to Keep Their New Year’s Resolutions
Published on December 29, 2023
The beginning of a new year is often accompanied by the desire to make positive changes in one’s life. As we age, it becomes even more important to take care of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. To help seniors stay on track with their goals, here is a list of 9 tips to keep in mind when making and keeping New Year’s resolutions.
1. Be Realistic
When setting goals for the new year, it is important to be realistic. As a senior, your energy levels or physical abilities have likely changed. Therefore, setting achievable goals that take into consideration our current capabilities is key. This way, we can avoid feeling discouraged or overwhelmed and increase the chances of success.
2. Set Specific Goals
Rather than making general resolutions, try setting specific and measurable goals. This could mean instead of saying “I want to exercise more,” try setting a goal of “I will walk for 30 minutes, three times a week.” This makes the goals more tangible and easier to track progress.
3. Focus on Health
As we age we become more susceptible to injury and illness, so it’s important to prioritize our health – even when making resolutions! This could mean incorporating regular exercise, eating a balanced and nutritious diet, or scheduling regular check-ups with our doctor. By focusing on our health, we can increase our overall well-being and quality of life for the new year ahead. VIVA has plenty of options to choose from including personalized and group fitness programs and senior-friendly equipment, to AquaFit and catching a few laps in the heated indoor pool.
4. Work as a Team!
Making resolutions together with friends or family can provide support and motivation throughout the year. Consider setting similar goals with a partner or joining a group with common objectives. Having someone to share the journey with can make a significant difference in staying on track. Furthermore, making changes can be challenging, and having a support system in place can help us stay on track and overcome any obstacles that may arise.
5. Celebrate Small Wins
It’s important to celebrate even the smallest accomplishments when working towards our goals. This can help keep us motivated and focused on the end goal. Progress should be celebrated, no matter how small it may seem.
6. Prioritize Self-Care
As we age, it becomes even more important to take care of ourselves. This means making time for self-care activities such as reading, practicing a hobby (or picking up a new one!), or simply taking time to relax. Taking care of ourselves mentally and emotionally is just as important as our physical health.
7. Have Fun!
Resolutions don’t have to feel like a chore. Find ways to make them enjoyable, whether it be by trying new activities or incorporating elements that you already enjoy into your goals. This can help increase motivation and make sticking to resolutions more enjoyable.
8. Be Patient
Change takes time, so it’s important to be patient with ourselves when working towards our goals. Don’t get discouraged if there are setbacks or progress is slow. Keep in mind that every step, no matter how small, is still a step in the right direction.
9. Stay Positive
Lastly, it’s important to maintain a positive mindset when working towards resolutions. It’s easy to get caught up in negative self-talk or doubts, but by focusing on the progress we have made and the end goal, we can stay motivated and optimistic for ourselves and for the friends who might be sharing the same resolution!
In conclusion, the pursuit of New Year’s resolutions can present challenges for individuals of all ages, including seniors. As older adults, it becomes crucial to prioritize our health and well-being, actively involve our loved ones for support, and cultivate a positive mindset. Here’s to a fulfilling and rewarding year ahead!
V!VA Retirement Communities™ promotes an active, healthy and engaged lifestyle for our retirement Community Members. For more information on our retirement communities, visit www.vivalife.ca. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or professional advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise or health routine.
