{"id":3354,"date":"2021-12-23T14:02:33","date_gmt":"2021-12-23T19:02:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/55\/?p=3354"},"modified":"2022-09-12T05:13:15","modified_gmt":"2022-09-12T09:13:15","slug":"helping-seniors-new-year-resolutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/55\/florida\/sarasota\/helping-seniors-new-year-resolutions\/","title":{"rendered":"Helping Seniors Choose and Meet New Year\u2019s Resolutions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many people view each new year as a chance to start fresh by making positive changes in their lives.\u00a0 It is common for people to make New Year\u2019s resolutions meant to help improve their physical and emotional well-being and add something fun or exciting to their lives that they feel they have been missing.<\/p>\n

Making and keeping New Year\u2019s resolutions is something that people of all ages can do, including senior citizens.\u00a0 People can always make positive changes in their lives and that doesn\u2019t change as you get older.\u00a0 For seniors, thinking about possible New Year\u2019s resolutions can give them something to look forward to as the calendar turns over.<\/p>\n

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If you have senior loved ones, you can take the time to talk to them about possible New Year\u2019s resolutions and even help them pick realistic goals that can help improve their lives in the next year.\u00a0 You should also remember to help them understand that making changes in life takes time and that it might take much of the new year for them to achieve the goals they set for themselves.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we will help adults with senior loved ones and senior caregivers<\/a> assist the seniors in their lives with choosing and meeting New Year\u2019s resolutions and setting a realistic timeline to achieve these goals.\u00a0 Setting goals can benefit the health and well-being of seniors as they enter the new year.<\/p>\n

Why Should Seniors Choose New Year\u2019s Resolutions?<\/h2>\n

Setting and sticking to New Year\u2019s resolutions is beneficial because it helps adults and seniors make improvements in their lives.\u00a0 Seniors may choose to take up new, exciting activities, stop unhealthy habits, become more active, and improve their ability to live independently<\/strong>.\u00a0 This can also help add a sense of purpose to the lives of seniors.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The benefits of setting New Year\u2019s resolutions are more than just anecdotal.\u00a0 Studies have shown that the sense of purpose that seniors get from New Year\u2019s resolutions can increase self-discipline which decreases the likelihood of developing Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/strong>\u00a0 New Year\u2019s resolutions also cause seniors to start the new year with a more positive outlook which decreases the risk of heart disease.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When you sit down with your senior loved one to write out their New Year\u2019s resolutions, you are helping them take more control of their lives and improve their physical and emotional well-being.<\/strong><\/p>\n

New Year\u2019s Resolutions for Your Senior Loved Ones<\/h2>\n

Start by helping your senior loved one brainstorm New Year’s resolution ideas and make sure to write them down.\u00a0 Once you get a list together, you can help them narrow down the list to choose the most beneficial and realistic goals.\u00a0 The following are some New Year\u2019s resolution ideas to get you started:<\/p>\n

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  1. Improve diet: <\/strong>It is very important for seniors to have a healthy diet as malnutrition is a problem many seniors face. A poor diet also increases the risk of heart disease, dementia, and other issues.\u00a0 A New Year\u2019s resolution to eat more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats while cutting out unhealthy foods can greatly improve their health.<\/li>\n
  2. Increase physical activity:<\/strong> Increasing physical activity and exercise, even for just a few minutes each day, can greatly improve physical health. You can help your loved one think of a new active hobby, encourage them to join a senior fitness class, or plan to go on more walks.<\/li>\n
  3. Meet new friends:<\/strong> Seniors sometimes have a challenging time making new friends as there are usually few opportunities to meet new people. Encourage your senior loved one<\/a> to volunteer, take a fitness class, or join a senior center to meet new people and make new friendships.<\/li>\n
  4. Focus on the home: <\/strong>Seniors can improve the safety and comfort of their homes by organizing, decluttering, clearing out pathways to reduce falls, installing safety features like grab bars, and maybe even redecorating. A safer and more comfortable home will allow your loved one to live more independently.<\/li>\n
  5. Exercise the mind:<\/strong> Finding mentally stimulating activities for seniors will help keep their minds sharp and reduce the risk of Alzheimer\u2019s and other forms of dementia. Your senior loved one can learn a new craft, do more art projects, take up puzzles like crossword puzzles or sudoku, learn a new language, or play more games.<\/li>\n
  6. Start a journal:<\/strong> Your senior loved ones have a lifetime of wisdom and experiences that they can express and even share with others. Encourage your loved one to start a journal to write down their thoughts or tell their story.\u00a0 Other members of the family may be delighted to read their story and learn more about them.<\/li>\n
  7. Take care of their health:<\/strong> You can help your senior loved one manage their health over the next year by planning checkups, ensuring they get necessary vaccines, and checking that they have the medications they need. Also, write down any questions or concerns your loved one may have that they can address with their doctor.<\/li>\n
  8. Get more rest:<\/strong> Getting enough sleep is important for everyone, but especially for seniors. Make sure your loved one has a good sleep schedule and if they have difficulties sleeping, plan to see a specialist that can help them get better sleep at night.<\/li>\n
  9. Plan for the future:<\/strong> This may be an uncomfortable conversation, but it is beneficial for your loved one and your family to make plans for long-term care and hospice care<\/a> if they should be needed in the future. This will give your senior loved ones a chance to voice their preferences and have a plan in place before they are in a position in which they cannot make these decisions.\u00a0 Estate planning is also a good idea so that your loved one can have everything in order.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    Sticking to New Year\u2019s Resolutions<\/h2>\n

    Many people make New Year\u2019s resolutions each year, however, few people stick with them into the new year.\u00a0 You can take the following steps with your senior loved one to help them stick with their New Year\u2019s resolutions throughout the year and achieve their goals:<\/p>\n