As 2020 comes to a close, you may be thinking of a way that you can improve your life for 2021. New Year’s resolutions are a cultural touchstone as many see the change as a clean slate and a chance to do better.
As an older adult, you may be wondering what you can do this year to better your life. You’re not alone. According to a Finder.com New Year’s resolution statistics roundup, Millennials and Gen Zers were more likely to have resolutions for next year than Gen Xers, Baby Boomers and the Silent Gen.
As we age, it becomes more difficult to set as many goals as our younger counterparts. Being a senior citizen means you’ve lived a lot of life and achieved many goals already.
These achievements and experiences don’t mean there aren’t worthwhile goals to attain as we pass into our golden years. Keep reading our list of New Year’s resolutions for seniors to learn more about goals that are beneficial for older adults.
Resolutions to Get You Out of Your Comfort Zone
As we age, we tend to stick to the same routines and habits. These routines are natural; after all, we are creatures of habit. However, they can lead to us become stuck in our ways and downright grumpy.
Trying a new hobby or activity and learning a new skill can help us grow out of these habits and routines. Here are a few resolutions you use to help you learn something new in 2021.
Find an online class. Have you always wanted to learn a new skill or craft? This year, take time to find one class online to teach you how to grow in that skill. You can challenge yourself by finding a course for something that you’ve never done before. Some New Year’s resolution examples include:
- Art or sculpting
- Crafting furniture or decorations
- Writing
Whatever activity you are interested in, there is bound to be a course that can teach you how to do it.
Resolutions for Physical Well-being
In the stat roundup mentioned earlier, health was the priority for the three oldest generations. Finding ways to improve your health is a great goal. Getting into an exercise regiment can help you to feel better. If you have any chronic conditions, make sure to consult with your doctor before starting exercise. Here are a few exercises that are great for seniors:
- Water aerobics: Water aerobics is excellent for individuals with joint pain. They help strengthen muscles and develop bone density with low impact.
- Walk: Walking is a great way to get cardio while remaining low-impact on the joints.
- Resistance exercise: Resistance exercises help keep muscles from losing strength.
Resolutions for Mental and Emotional Well-Being
While resolutions that focus on physical health are great for seniors, resolutions for mental and emotional well-being are essential. Planning out mood-boosting activities throughout the week can help people of any age to feel better. These can include:
- Writing letters to loved ones: Writing one or two letters a week to a friend or family member can be a great way to show gratitude and foster positive communication.
- Create an indoor garden: An indoor garden is a great way to add some color and life to your living space. Check out our guide on indoor gardens to see which plant will work best for you.
Resolving to be a better friend is a great way to help your emotional well-being in the new year. Older adults are more likely to experience loneliness than other demographics. Make a list of people you would like to visit with more. Talking with an old friend once or twice a month over the phone or in-person is a worthwhile investment of time.
Sticking with Resolutions
Creating New Year’s resolutions is a great way to meet your goals, but what’s the best way to keep them? You’ve probably heard that only eight percent of people who create resolutions keep them by the end of the year. However, don’t let the numbers discourage you from reaching your goals. Here are three tips to help you stay on track with your resolutions:
- Set measurable goals: Set goals that you can measure. Quantifiable goals make it easier to track your progress and adjust.
- Tell others what you want to do: Having an accountability partner can help you stick to your goals.
- Don’t get down on yourself: If you fall behind on your resolution, don’t give up. Everyone hits bumps in the road on their way to meeting their goals. Remember, you are following through on this goal to make yourself better.
If you or a loved one are dealing with a life-limiting illness, don’t put off hospice care in 2021. Many of our patients at Seasons Hospice of Tulsa and Season Hospice of Muskogee tell us they wish they had begun hospice with us sooner because of our excellent care. Contact us to see how we can help you or your loved one feel better today.
