Whether you’re 25 or 75, choosing a New Year’s resolution is a common thing to do when the new year rolls around. After all, it’s never too late to make a meaningful change in your life.
For seniors, coming up with a New Year’s resolution and sticking to it may be daunting, but with a little planning and support, they can turn their aspirations into achievements.
In this guide, we’ll discuss what seniors need to do to achieve their New Year’s resolutions, including goal setting and strategies to accomplish them. No matter what your New Year’s resolution is, we are here to help make it happen!
Setting realistic New Year’s resolutions for seniors
The first step when it comes to New Year’s resolutions is to pick one that is realistic and attainable. Not sure what your New Year’s resolution should be? To provide inspiration, here are some popular New Year’s resolutions for seniors:
- Exercise more often
- Drink more water to avoid dehydration
- Eat a balanced diet
- Save money and budget appropriately
- Prioritize self-care and mental health
- Get more sleep
- Learn a new skill or hobby
- Connect more with family and friends, whether virtually or in person
- Practice gratitude
- Drop unhealthy habits
- Organize your home by decluttering or donating unused items
Whichever resolution speaks to you, be sure to choose one that aligns with your interests and aspirations. By doing so, you’ll be more motivated to follow through with your chosen resolution.
Once you’ve decided on the best resolution for you, you’ll need to make it as precise as possible. You can do this by making a SMART goal. The SMART method is all about picking a goal that is S (specific) M (measurable) A (achievable) R (relevant) T (time-bound). For example, instead of having a vague goal to “exercise more” in 2025, try to have a SMART goal of “attending a yoga class twice a week for ten months” or “increasing my daily steps from 2,000 a day to 5,000 a day for the first three months of the year, then I will increase my daily steps to 7,000 for the rest of the year.”
Goal setting for the elderly: manageable steps
Big goals can feel overwhelming for anyone, but breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps makes them more attainable. Let’s break down three New Year’s resolutions into actionable steps so seniors can have an idea of how to get started.
Wellness goals: If your resolution is to walk more, start by committing to a 10-minute walk three times a week, then gradually increase the duration and frequency. Perhaps the final goal can be a 20-minute walk every day of the week. Set a goal that is most suitable for you.
If you’re a senior who is wheelchair-bound, there are many seated exercises you can do that focus on different areas of the body. Start with exercises that help strengthen your arms and chest. Then move on to exercises that strengthen your abdomen and core muscles. Lastly, concentrate on exercises for your legs. A little bit of exercise every day (or as often as possible) will benefit in the long run.
Personal development: Do you want to learn a new hobby or skill? Begin by researching classes or tutorials, gathering the necessary materials, and setting aside specific times each week to practice your new skill or hobby.
For example, if you want to learn how to paint, grab a canvas, acrylic paints, and paintbrushes. Then, join a guided painting class to learn the best techniques. If you can’t find a class in person, many online videos on YouTube can show you how to paint a beautiful creation.
Enhance social connections: If you’d like to expand your social circle in the new year, begin by attending one activity or event in your senior living community or the local area per month. If you find something that you greatly enjoy, like a local women’s or men’s group, make an effort to continually attend the meetings. The more you attend, the more comfortable you’ll get and you’ll be making new friends in no time!
Tools and resources to achieve your goals throughout the year
Family members and caregivers play a vital role in helping seniors stick to their New Year’s resolutions. They can provide encouragement, assist with planning, and celebrate milestones. Open communication about your goals ensures you have the support you need. For example, if you’re striving to eat healthier in 2025, family members and caregivers can help by preparing nutritious meals or joining you in trying new recipes.
Tracking your progress in a calendar or journal can help you stay on course with your New Year’s resolution. You can also consider getting a friend or family member involved in your goal so they can remind you of your progress. Involving a companion helps you to hold yourself accountable and stay motivated.
Technology can be a powerful tool to help seniors achieve New Year’s resolutions. Apps and devices designed for older adults can assist with tracking fitness, managing medications, or learning new skills. For instance:
- Health and fitness apps like step trackers or virtual exercise classes can make it easier to stay active.
- Online courses and tutorials provide opportunities to explore new hobbies or improve existing skills.
- Staying connected with loved ones through video calls and social media can help combat loneliness and foster relationships.
Don’t forget to stay flexible when it comes to your New Year’s resolution. Your 2025 goals can evolve over time. Don’t be discouraged, as adjusting expectations or timelines based on circumstances is perfectly fine.
Achieving resolutions in a senior living community
Are you an older adult who needs extra support to help achieve your New Year’s resolutions? You may benefit from living in a Sonida Senior Living community, where a structured environment that encourages fitness and social interaction makes it easier to sustain your resolutions.
Senior living communities offer a wealth of resources that can help seniors achieve their New Year’s resolutions. Sonida Senior Living communities provide:
- Wellness programs, including exercise classes and on-site therapy.
- Enrichment activities, like special interest clubs, worship services, and educational courses.
- Social opportunities, such as themed events, group outings, bingo, crafts, and on-site entertainment.
If you’re a senior or family caregiver looking for independent living, assisted living, or memory care services for you or your loved one, contact us to schedule a tour or request more information about a community near you.
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If you’re a senior or caregiver looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care services for you or your loved one, contact us to schedule a tour or request information about a community near you.
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