Top 7 New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors

With a new year comes new opportunities. This exciting time is perfect for tackling a new hobby, getting back into the gym, or progressing toward a long-standing goal. With so much potential in the air, it is clear to see why New Year’s resolutions are a huge hit with people of all ages.

For seniors, this time of year is a great opportunity to start building healthy habits and prioritizing what’s important to them. From planning an exciting trip to updating eating habits, the new year is ripe with possibilities. 

If you are looking to make this your best year yet but you’re still in need of inspiration for your New Year’s resolutions, we got you covered. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top New Year’s resolutions for seniors and how you can start this year off right.

New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors

Be Physically Active

The consensus among doctors and various medical studies consistently supports a singular solution: physical activity. Seniors can significantly enhance their health by integrating a regular exercise routine that includes activities such as walking, jogging, or cycling. This can reduce blood pressure and resting heart rate while boosting muscle mass and energy levels.

If you already exercise regularly, keep up the good work! If you’ve never been too active, try and start small with just 10 minutes of activity a day. You can start with light mobility exercises at home, a walk around your neighborhood, or even a Zumba class at a local recreation center. Once you get accustomed to that routine, move up to 20 or even 30 minutes a day. By starting the year with a new exercise regimen, you’re investing in your health and longevity.

Challenge Your Mind

In addition to physical health, it’s worthwhile to adopt a New Year’s resolution that involves challenging your mind through activities like Sudoku, quizzes, crosswords, or jigsaw puzzles.

These games are highly effective in improving mental and cognitive strength, with studies indicating potential benefits for memory improvement.

We recommend introducing this habit by working on some crosswords or Sudoku puzzles from a book or newspaper while you have your morning coffee. If you get hooked, you may find soon that you would rather opt for a night of putting together a puzzle instead of watching TV.

If puzzles aren’t your thing but you’re still looking for a new way to challenge your mind, consider getting into bird watching. It can be a great excuse to get out in nature while engaging your mind as you learn new facts and features about the birds in your region.

Give Back to Your Community

When you volunteer, you’re giving back to those in need in your local community. This resolution is perfect for the senior who loves to help others and wants to do something meaningful for those around them. 

If you’re passionate about cooking, consider helping your local soup kitchen prepare meals. If you’ve always loved animals, explore opportunities to help your local animal shelter. There’s a wide array of volunteer options for seniors to participate in, so find an activity that fits your interests. 

Restructure Your Finances

The start of a new year is a good opportunity to reassess your finances. For retired seniors, this is a great time to check on your retirement investments and consider updating the amount you withdraw from your accounts throughout the year.

One of the first things you should consider as you enter a new year is what updates you can make to your monthly budget. As consumer prices change regularly, you need to constantly adjust to make sure you are living within your means. By updating your monthly budget, you can better understand, track, and monitor your expenses – reducing any anxiety and uncertainty you have around your finances. 

Organize Your Space

The new year is the perfect time for decluttering your home – making it a great resolution option for seniors who are looking to organize. Whether you’re looking to downsize or want to make things spotless, organizing your home can reduce stress and declutter your mind – helping you start the year feeling refreshed and renewed.

Update Your Home for Fall Prevention

After organizing your space, you should consider taking the time to guard it against falls. Over ¼ of seniors experienced a fall at some point during the last year, with many experiencing serious injury. The best way to protect yourself is by taking simple steps to prevent accidents in your home. One New Year’s resolution that seniors should consider is to eliminate items in your home that result in a tripping hazard – including throw rugs and loose cords, as well as installing proper lighting and handrails to ensure you can safely move around your house. In addition to safeguarding your home, you should also consider balance exercises to further reduce the risk of falls and fall-related injuries.

Prioritize Friendships

Regardless of age, having a strong support network of friends is important. Not only do they provide company and companionship, but senior friends also encourage one another to make the most of their golden years. 

Being social is vital to living a long and happy life. Consider reaching out to old friends this new year to check on their well-being. You can also make new friends with nearby neighbors or at your local community center.

Feeling lonely and isolated has serious health concerns. Loneliness increases the risk of heart attack and stroke as much as smoking in some seniors. So set a goal either to make new friends or keep in regular contact with old ones. If you’re struggling to meet like-minded people in your same stage of life, you might consider moving to a senior living community where there are plenty of opportunities to make new friends.

Make This Year Your Best Yet!

At any age, the New Year is a convenient opportunity to take stock of how we are doing and make the changes we’d like to see. That being said, remember that it doesn’t have to be January 1 to make a resolution. You can always make the changes you want to see in your life.

Want to make this your best year yet? National Church Residences is here to help. We take an individual approach to senior care, offering quality senior living options and long-term care services for seniors to make the most of their golden years. Find out or give us a call at 844-465-6063 to talk to one of our friendly staff members today.

We wish you and your loved ones a very Happy New Year as we embark on another year full of promise and hope.