New Year’s resolutions are a great way to put your time and energy into accomplishing a goal, whether it’s prioritizing health, saving more money, or developing a new skill. Resolutions aren’t just for moms hoping to find the time to exercise and get their pre-mom body back, or millennials hoping to get better at saving. New Year’s resolutions are a great idea for older adults too. Here are some great resolutions that older adults can follow to ensure they have a great start to 2020.
Eat Healthier
Older adults may not be in their prime growing cycle any longer, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t still follow a healthy diet. Older adults typically need to consume fewer calories because they no longer burn as many calories as they did when they were younger. That means they have to be careful to consume the right foods to gain all of their nutrients with a smaller amount of food. A colorful diet, complete with a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, fiber, and dairy is crucial. Making a healthier diet a goal of 2020 is a great idea.
Supplements
Sometimes, no matter how well one eats, it is still difficult to get all the required nutrients. Older adults may consider resolving to take dietary supplements or a multivitamin in 2020 to ensure they’re getting all their required nutrients to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
New Hobby
Adopting a new hobby is a fantastic resolution! Older adults often have more free time because they are retired. Trying out something knew can help them discover a hidden passion, find happiness, and meet new people who share the same hobby.
Play Brain Games
Keeping your brain busy in older adulthood is of the utmost importance. Read, play card games, start doing crossword puzzles, or pick up a Sudoku book. Not only can these activities boost brain activity, but they can help older adults meet new people and socialize.
Stay Active
Just like nutrition, it’s important for older adults to stay active. Making a fitness or activity goal is a great resolution for 2020. They should aim for a certain amount of exercise per day, each week. No matter how small and low intensity that number may be—say 10 minutes of walking per day, 3 times per week—it’s still beneficial. It can help build muscle, decrease stress, and improve balance (which will in turn help prevent falls).
Prioritize Mental Health
Statistics show that as many as 1 in 5 older adults suffers from anxiety or depression. Making it a resolution to prioritize mental health in 2020 is a great idea, whether that means pursuing treatment or talking about it with a trusted loved one.
No matter that the first few days of 2020 have passed, older adults can start following these tips now for a healthier, stronger self for all of 2020.