

The start of a new year presents an opportune time for older adults to implement positive changes to their lifestyle, ultimately leading to improved health and well-being. Seniors may consider incorporating a nutritious diet, increasing physical activity, and scheduling routine medical appointments to ensure better health in the coming year. By committing to a New Year’s resolution and diligently working towards achieving it, elderly individuals can potentially enhance their longevity and overall quality of life.
Although formulating New Year’s resolutions is relatively simple, staying dedicated to these goals as the year progresses can prove to be challenging. Fortunately, seniors who have the support of caregivers can rely on their assistance to remain accountable and acknowledge each accomplishment.
What are Healthy New Year’s Resolutions?
In January, seniors may choose to set various resolutions, including traveling the world on a cruise ship or prioritizing family time. Others may choose resolutions that focus on their health and improve their overall quality of life. Older adults focused on improving their health can pursue any of the following health-conscious New Year’s resolutions.
1. Eat Nutritiously
As individuals grow older, their appetites may naturally decrease. However, it is crucial for older adults to maintain a balanced diet that provides adequate nutrients and calories to support their overall health and prevent illness. A healthy diet for older adults should include a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and sources of healthy fats.
It is recommended that seniors consume five servings of fruit and a diverse selection of deep-colored vegetables on a daily basis. Incorporating items such as carrots, oranges, and spinach into their diet is advised. Snacking on nuts for their nutritional benefits is also encouraged. Including whole grains, rice, and pasta in meals can contribute to a balanced diet. Consuming yogurt, cheese, and other vitamin D-rich foods is crucial for bone strength. Additionally, it is essential to avoid processed and packaged foods, and incorporate low-fat protein into every meal to help increase and maintain muscle mass, which is vital for overall balance and movement.
2. Exercise More
Incorporating mild to moderate physical activity into one’s routine has been shown to effectively alleviate symptoms associated with various health conditions, such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Older adults can benefit from engaging in exercises like tai chi, water aerobics, and walking, as these activities are safe and suitable for their fitness levels. Additionally, seniors looking for motivation and a sense of community may consider participating in a local Silver Sneakers program.
Regular exercise helps aging individuals control their weight, build muscle mass, maintain flexibility, and improve balance while also improving their posture. Physical activity is a natural way for older people to boost their moods, which leaves them energized and feeling positive well after New Year’s Day. Remember to always check with your doctor before you begin any exercise routine.
3. Receive Annual Checkups
Getting annual checkups is a great way for seniors to maintain their health. It is recommended to schedule an annual Medicare wellness visit with a physician, ideally around the individual’s birthday month. During these appointments, it is important to discuss health screenings and any updates to advanced directives. Additionally, assess whether any current medications can be discontinued or have their dosages adjusted. Lastly, inquire about the availability of immunizations.
4. Reduce Risk of Falls
As individuals age, their risk of falling increases which makes it important for seniors to take steps to prevent falls. Engaging in regular exercise can enhance strength, balance, and flexibility which helps reduce the likelihood of a fall. Seniors should consult with a healthcare professional to assess if any of their current medications may heighten the risk of falling.
Additionally, enlisting the support of a caregiver to make modifications to the home can greatly improve safety. Installing grab bars in the bathroom, both in the shower and near the toilet, as well as handrails on stairs, can significantly reduce fall risks. Placing nightlights in hallways can also enhance visibility during nighttime hours. Removing clutter and eliminating throw rugs that may pose a tripping hazard for older adults are also essential steps to prevent falls.
5. Keep the Mind Active
Brain exercises keep older adults mentally sharp. Challenge the mind by reading books and magazines, playing games, like cards or Sudoku, or taking a class at a local community college (some college courses are free to people aged sixty-five or over). Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare exotic dishes.
Socializing is another way to keep the aging mind stimulated. Seniors are encouraged to join a discussion group at their local library or senior center. At home, older people can turn to professional or family caregivers for pleasant conversations and meaningful social interactions.
6. Get Restful Sleep
A quality night’s sleep of 7 to 9 hours is recommended for all adults, including seniors. Promote a good night’s rest by avoiding daytime naps, limiting caffeine closer to bedtime, and preparing the bedroom for sleep. Keep the bedroom temperature comfortable, turn off devices, and draw the shades.
Caregivers are instrumental in helping seniors enjoy restful sleep as they help seniors prepare for bed while lending a hand with personal hygiene and other tasks.
7. Make Healthier Choices
It is important for seniors to make healthier choices for the benefit of their overall health. Seniors who smoke or drink excessively may make a New Year’s resolution to quit. Too much alcohol has a negative impact on health, increasing seniors’ risks of falls and injuries, making sleeping more difficult, interfering with medications, and causing feelings of depression.
Smoking is similarly disastrous for health, leading to conditions like heart disease or cancer. It is never too late for older adults to stop smoking. Quitting allows seniors to breathe easier, enjoy more energy, sleep better, and reduce the risk of developing several health problems.
8. Prioritize Mental Health
Seniors should be just as concerned about their mental health as their physical health. It is common for seniors to experience loneliness or social isolation as they get older, especially if they live a great distance from their family or have lost their spouse or close friends. This level of isolation can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Older adults who experience anxiety and depression due to loneliness should make it a point to reach out to their family and friends more regularly. If you notice these issues in your senior loved ones, visit them more often and encourage them to maintain their social connections. You should also have them talk to a mental heath professional so they can get the treatment they need.
9. Get Creative
Being creative is a great way for seniors to keep their minds sharp and find new ways to express themselves. Retired seniors have a great opportunity to pursue creative activities that they did not have time for in their younger days or revive a creative activity they have not done in years. Creative pursuits can include anything from simple arts and crafts and drawing to painting, sculpting, writing, and playing a musical instrument.
It is never too late for seniors to discover a new creative outlet and even seniors with dementia and other cognitive limitations can engage in simple creative projects.
Senior Companion Care from Assisting Hands
In order to be successful with any New Year’s resolution, it is recommended to write them down and put them where you can see them, such as on a refrigerator. Seniors should anticipate potential challenges with their resolutions and divide them into achievable steps. The caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are dedicated to assisting seniors with their New Year’s resolutions to help them live a healthier life.
Our licensed caregivers can proactively remind seniors of their New Year’s resolutions and encourage them to stay focused and motivated. Whether the goal is to adopt healthier eating habits or participate in a fitness program, we provide the necessary support and resources to help seniors achieve their health goals.
Our professional caregivers offer dependable transportation services to help your loved ones get to medical appointments, senior centers, or recreational activities like tai chi classes. In addition, we can cook balanced and nutritious meals from scratch to ensure your senior loved ones maintain a healthy diet. Our assistance also extends to personal hygiene tasks, such as bathing, grooming, and toileting, as well as other daily activities to help maintain their overall health and well-being.
Our caregivers understand the importance of senior companionship and strive to provide meaningful social interactions with seniors in our care. We engage them in conversations, play games, work on puzzles, and accompany seniors on outings to combat feelings of loneliness and social isolation. By fostering regular social engagement, we aim to enhance their overall well-being and quality of life.
Working with Assisting Hand Home Care to provide companion care for your senior loved ones helps ensure their physical and emotional care needs are met. We are privileged to serve seniors living in BallenIsles, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach, Singer Island, Wellington, West Palm Beach, FL and the surrounding areas in Palm Beach County. You can call us at (561) 566-5989 to schedule a free in-home consultation and learn how our senior home care can benefit your senior loved one.
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