A new year means a plethora of new possibilities. Whether your loved one is looking to improve their health or wants to pick up a new hobby, approaching these goals with the right mindset is vital to welcoming the new year with purpose and positivity.
Here’s our guide to turning over a new page for older adults.
The first step to embracing the new year is listing out what goals your loved one would like to strive for. These goals might include committing to reading books as a hobby, volunteering, or taking classes to learn something new.
Whether these goals focus on self-care or self-improvement, it helps to quantify them to ensure they’re attainable. New Year’s resolutions often fail because they require massive and dramatic changes to one’s life.
Consider making a realistic progression plan, giving your loved one enough time to adapt slowly to changes in routine.
One core aspect of approaching the new year with purpose is improving one’s eating habits.
Encourage your parent or grandparent to eat healthier foods with fewer calories, less sugar and less fat, prioritizing the right servings of vegetables and fruits daily. The deeper the produce in colour, the healthier it tends to be. Dairy and fibre-rich whole grain foods are also essential.
Avoid overhauling your eating habits with a “quick fix” diet, and instead, gradually make better choices you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. You’re likelier to stick to your new diet by making small changes first, like swapping out coffee creamer for low-fat milk or using extra virgin olive oil instead of butter.
Also, remember that breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day for a reason. Ensure your loved one isn’t skipping this vital meal and that they’re making time to eat in the morning. A hearty breakfast is known to help boost energy levels and alertness.
Feeling positive about your mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa’s health starts with regular visits to a healthcare provider. Seeing a physician for a check-up at least once annually is recommended.
This visit will allow them to get updated on any vaccinations they may need, talk about the medicine they’re currently taking and have any necessary screenings conducted.
Learning is lifelong, and keeping the mind active keeps it sharp.
Try suggesting your loved one pick up some mentally stimulating activities in the new year. These activities could include reading, daily puzzles (such as crosswords or Sudoku), or learning a new language.
Socializing is another often overlooked activity that can go a long way in boosting brain activity. Participating in social activities and conversing with friends keeps the mind engaged, contributing to a better memory and greater information processing speed.
While many consider the end of the year as a time of reflection, it’s never too late to look back! Framing the beginning of the new year with your past and future progress in your mind can make prioritizing your current goals much more manageable.
Writing in a journal regularly allows your loved one to process their thoughts and emotions, celebrate achievements, and note down positive moments they can reflect on. These journals can also make a fantastic heirloom, giving future generations a detailed glimpse into the past.
Physical activity helps with controlling weight and can do wonders for improving mood. Those who exercise regularly benefit from higher endorphin levels, which can reduce pain and stress while producing feelings of positivity.
Encourage your loved one to practice simple exercises like walking or stretching daily. They may try yoga, water aerobics, or tai chi if they want something more involved.
For ideas on incorporating physical activities into your lifestyle, check out our article on senior chair exercises.
It’s a common misconception that older adults need less sleep. According to research, they need the same 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night, with the only difference being a tendency to go to bed and wake up earlier.
Sleep hygiene means going to bed at the same time every day, avoiding screen time at least an hour before sleep, not eating big meals before bedtime, and, if possible, not napping excessively during the day.
Making the world a better place may seem like an arduous task for one person, but it can start locally and in small ways.
Volunteering and helping others in the community can create a sense of purpose and fulfillment. If your parent or grandparent wants to give back, make a positive impact, and use their skills and experience to benefit the greater good, look into local organizations searching for assistance.
If your parent or grandparent wants a fresh start, consider talking to them about moving into a lively retirement living community that focuses on the overall well-being of residents.
Seasons Retirement Communities ensures that your loved one leads a happy and fulfilling life, providing them with well-balanced meals and plenty of opportunities to socialize and get active with fellow residents.
For more information, contact us today!