The Top New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy 2018

If you’ve ever made New Year’s resolutions before, you probably know this scenario all too well: The first week of January, you’re ready to go, striving with all your might to meet your goals. However, by week two, those good intentions have already started to wane as you start to lapse back into your old ways before the year really starts. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In fact, research from StatisticBrain.com reveals that almost 73 percent of people give up on their New Year’s resolutions after that very first week!

For seniors, making New Year’s resolutions that stick can be even more challenging. After all, you want to make sure your goals are not only keeping you healthy so you can enjoy a high quality of life, but also that those goals are realistic and attainable.

5 New Year’s Goals to Set Right Now

It’s fairly common for seniors to get stuck in a rut, finding it difficult to break free from some of their old habits. Humans thrive on routine, but sometimes those routines may not be doing us any favors health-wise. This is why it’s so important to view the new year as an opportunity to switch things up a bit by making adjustments to your lifestyle that can improve your overall wellness.

Not sure what kind of New Year’s resolutions you should make for 2018? Here are five that can lead you down the road to successful, healthy aging in the new year and beyond:

1. Incorporate the right healthy habits into your routine. Do some research, and find out what defines healthy aging for you. For instance, maybe you already enjoy healthy meals and have foregone extra desserts, but your stress levels are on the higher side. Find ways to reduce that stress to get your blood pressure under better control. Or, maybe you’re constantly tired because you aren’t getting enough sleep. Learn how to make the proper adjustments to your nighttime routine to ensure you’re getting the best night’s sleep to start each day fresh and alert.
2. Get your heart rate up daily. Maybe the fitness programs your friends participate in don’t sound especially appealing to you. However, it’s still important that you find ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily life. Luckily, there are plenty of exercises seniors of all abilities can enjoy, and experts recommend that you get your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes every day. It’s all about finding an activity you enjoy so it becomes easier for you to stick with it.
3. Challenge your brain. Keep your mind sharp while possibly slowing the onset of dementia by regularly challenging your brain. This might mean completing the daily crossword puzzle in the paper, playing a game of chess with your peers, or even joining a book club to discuss the latest bestseller. When an activity isn’t interesting anymore, don’t be afraid to try something new!
4. Keep in touch with friends and family. Staying connected to others by continuing to build and maintain relationships is key to social wellness and a healthy lifestyle. As a matter of fact, some studies show that seniors who involve themselves in regular social activities may even live independently longer! This year, make it a point to connect or reconnect, with friends and family you might not get to see very often. This could be as simple as making a phone call, inviting friends over for coffee, or even checking in on social media weekly.
5. Consider your bucket list. This New Year’s goal goes back to that being-stuck-in-a-rut thing we mentioned previously. Challenge yourself this year to cross one item off your bucket list, whether that’s taking a road trip to a state you’ve never visited, writing your autobiography, or finally learning how to play the trumpet. Write down one thing you’ve always wanted to do, and make it a point to accomplish it in the new year.

Age Well in the New Year and Beyond at Advent Christian Village

Fulfill your mind, body, and spirit by enjoying an enriching senior lifestyle at Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park, Florida. Find gracious living options, from owning your own home to comfortable assisted living and skilled nursing care should your needs ever change. Contact us to schedule a tour or to request more information.