Best New Year's Resolutions for Seniors This 2023

6 Sustainable New Year's Resolutions for Seniors Focused on Health in 2023

New year's resolutions offer an opportunity to build mastery experiences that results in self-efficacy. Having lived through a global pandemic, most people, including seniors, have learned not to take their health and wellness for granted. In that light, when mapping out new year's resolutions for seniors, most of them focus on long-term goals to improve their overall well-being.

While most seniors already know their new year's health goals, some are still at crossroads. Here is a list of attainable new year's resolutions for seniors looking forward to prioritizing their health in 2023.

Maintain a Healthy Social Life

Social isolation is not ideal for a senior's mental and physical well-being. According to research, about one-quarter of seniors aged 65 and above are considered to be socially isolated. While social isolation may be episodic or chronic, most lonely seniors are at a higher risk of developing:

High blood pressure
Cognitive decline
Depression
Obesity
Heart disease

An active social life helps prevent loneliness and isolation in seniors. It also helps:

To boost a sense of belonging in seniors
Reduce stress
Improve self-confidence
Avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits such as lack of exercise

Maintain a Positive Mindset About Aging

A positive outlook on long life is key to longevity. According to a study, seniors who are satisfied with the aging process tend to live longer than those who are least satisfied. Further, the study shows that a positive outlook in life is also linked to the following:

Lower risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes
Improve cognitive function
Improve sleep
Lower the feelings of loneliness and isolation

Observe Annual Health Screenings

Annual checkups and preventative screenings are crucial for people of all ages, particularly seniors. According to the CDC, aging increases the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as cancer and dementia. Taking extra care for checkups and screening not only helps seniors build a good relationship with their healthcare provider but also helps the doctor identify a potentially dangerous health condition while it's still treatable.

However, according to research, more is needed to know about how health literacy is associated with physical checkups. While one way the health official can address the issue is by communicating effectively, seniors should ask questions when they need more clarity.

Exercise Often

Physical activity is crucial for seniors' health. Regular physical activity helps:

Improve overall immune function
Improve mental health
Improve cognitive function
It helps strengthen bones and muscle
Helps in weight management

According to the CDC, seniors aged 65 and older require:

Three days a week for activities such as standing to help improve balance
At least two days a week for activities that strengthen muscles
30 minutes a day for five days of low-impact activities such as walking and swimming

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Good nutrition is essential for seniors. It helps seniors stay energized and control their weight. Picking healthy foods such as lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and nuts can also help lower the risk of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, as well as dementia.

Declutter

Seniors need clutter-free homes. A senior environment can positively or negatively affect their ability to perform a task. According to research, clutter is highly associated with procrastination. Further, clutter serves as a major tripping hazard. Setting decluttering as a new year's resolution can go a long way in ensuring a senior's well-being. Some of the benefits of a clutter-free environment include the following:

Safety
Improved mental health
Better sleep
Help seniors feel less overwhelmed
Lower anxiety
It helps refine a senior's style

Let the Experts Help!

If you have a senior loved one in need of in-home care, we are the experts to call. Senior Helpers Lee's Summit is the leading provider of in-home care throughout Lee's Summit, Kansas City, and Blue Springs, MO. We provide customized home care services ranging from companion care to comprehensive, in-depth care for seniors with chronic diseases such as Dementia, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.