As the first of January looms around the corner, you may be asking yourself the same old question you have asked yourself on every New Year’s Eve; “Should I have a new year’s resolution?” We know that many resolutions are abandoned before February, even though it all seemed like a great idea at the time (Lose weight! read more!)
With the pandemic still very much a part of our lives, it’s more important than ever to stay positive and plan for the future with optimism. An older adult may be asking themselves, “What should my resolution even be?” Well, here are some great resolutions for older adults, courtesy of HealthinAging.org.
Committing to a healthier diet: Perfection isn’t necessary, but the new year seems like a good time to examine your diet and pay attention to what you’re eating. Try adding more fish, whole grains, and fresh produce.
See your doctor: The new year seems like a great time to schedule that annual physical (your insurance may have other preferred times for annual visits- check your policy). This also applies to those appointments we tend to delay, like the eye doctor or dentist.
Protect yourself from falls: Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults, and now would be a good time to check your home for fall risks (rugs, poor lighting). You can also speak to your doctor about whether you are taking any medications which may increase your risk of falls. Now would also be a good time to work on your strength and balance- check out some classes at your local gym or even on You Tube!
HealthinAging.org has many other wonderful suggestions for New Year’s resolutions, you can check them out here. Here’s to a happy and healthy New Year!