7 New Year’s Resolutions For Seniors in 2023
Jan. 4, 2023
Many people think of the new year as a fresh start. A chance to establish New Year’s Resolutions and make better choices to improve their lives. While it may seem silly or overdone, setting New Year’s Resolutions can actually be very impactful, especially for seniors.
Resolutions can be considered “goals,” and with goals comes a sense of purpose for seniors. A 2019 study shows that for older adults, having a purpose in life can lead to numerous health benefits and can even decrease mortality.
So, even if you think New Year’s Resolutions are cliché, there is merit in making positive changes in your life and sticking with them. Even the smallest change is better than no change at all.
Here are 7 New Year’s resolutions seniors should commit to in the coming year to improve their health, lifestyle and overall well-being. If you are a senior, take these resolutions into consideration as 2023 begins. Or, share these suggestions with your senior loved ones and offer to help them stay accountable.
One small change seniors can make is working out their brains. Countless studies have shown that frequent stimulation of the mind keeps it sharper and healthier. Exercising the brain can even delay or prevent memory loss and cognitive decline, according to various studies.
Some easy ways to give the brain a boost include doing puzzles, completing crosswords and brain teasers, playing card games, and reading. Socializing, having discussions, and participating in book clubs are other effective ways for seniors to exercise their brains while interacting with others in an enjoyable way.
It’s no secret that exercise is vital to seniors’ physical and mental health. Exercise has been shown to add years onto seniors’ lives. Working out also helps strengthen bones and muscles, increase mobility and balance, improve blood circulation, reduce anxiety and depression and lower blood pressure, along with many other benefits.
However, detailed workout plans can be intimidating, especially for people who are just beginning their exercise journeys. Because of this, seniors should find a safe form of movement they enjoy, making exercising more manageable and sustainable.
Some enjoyable, approachable ways to add in movement include walking, cycling, swimming, water aerobics, pickleball, tai chi, yoga, and stretching.
Certain seniors may be eligible for the Silver Sneakers program, which offers free in-person or at-home workout opportunities. These programs are a great way to get moving and connect with others at the same time. Seniors can check their eligibility for the program here.
Whatever the exercise may be, adding in movement should be a high priority for seniors in 2023.
For seniors, diet plays a crucial role in staying healthy. The USDA recommends eating a variety of foods from each food group to reduce the risk of various health conditions like heart disease, hypertension, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Of course, limiting sugar, sodium, and saturated fats is always recommended. But, if your senior loved one is resistant to reducing their intake of these items, focus on adding in more nutritious foods to their diet instead.
It is important for seniors to have sufficient protein, potassium, calcium, fiber, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12. To acquire these nutrients, seniors should aim to have at least 5 servings of various fruits and vegetables a day. For protein, seniors should aim for lower-fat meats such as turkey or chicken, and heart-healthy fish like salmon or tuna. Other dietary staples should include nuts, beans, legumes, whole grains, yogurt, and low-fat milk.
And don’t forget about drinking 8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.
In 2023, seniors should aim to get rid of items they no longer use or need. Decluttering has many benefits. First, having fewer items in the house makes it easier and safer to move around, and also requires less cleaning and maintenance. One of the biggest benefits of decluttering is that it makes moving tremendously easier when it comes time to downsize.
The thought of decluttering an entire home can be overwhelming. Start by going through 1 room at a time. Bringing along a friend or loved one makes the process more manageable too.
Companionship is crucial for older adults. The Mayo Clinic suggests that having social connections improves seniors’ sense of purpose and belonging, increases happiness, and reduces stress. Studies have also shown that seniors who have stronger social connections are more likely to live longer than those who do not.
There are many ways to nurture existing relationships with friends and family, such as writing letters and talking on the phone. Planning lunch or coffee with loved ones is a great way to stay connected and have something to look forward to.
Making new connections is also very important, especially if a senior does not have loved ones nearby. Assisted living and independent living communities offer countless opportunities to meet others with similar interests and lifestyles. Seniors should introduce themselves to their neighbors, sit with new people at meals, and say hello to people they encounter around the community. Fitness classes, lectures, and religious events are a few other places where seniors can meet others with common interests and make connections.
Attending events and talking to new people can be intimidating for some seniors. Start slowly and ease into the activities you enjoy to start building connections. Or, set a goal to talk to 1 new person every day. The mental and physical health benefits will be worth it.
A task many older adults put off is getting medical paperwork in order. While not always the most enjoyable task, it is very important to organize these documents in case of emergency or illness.
In Florida, some documents seniors should arrange include advance directives, living wills, and powers of attorney. Click here for more information about the specific documents Florida seniors should prepare in 2023.
Along with arranging medical documents, another crucial part of aging is planning for long-term care. In 2023, determine your preferences for future living arrangements and care. For example, do you want to move to a senior living community or receive care at home? Research the options available in your preferred area, including assisted living communities, adult day programs, independent living, and home care.
Figure out your budget and how you will pay for these services. Many seniors enlist a financial planner, insurance agent or estate-planning attorney to help them decide what method will work best for their situation.
Spend some time talking with family, friends, lawyers and care professionals to make plans for the future. Make sure to document your wishes so your loved ones do not have to guess your intentions in case of emergency.
Making lifestyle changes can be difficult, especially for seniors who prefer the familiarity of their own habits. But, these lifestyle changes are always advantageous–and often crucial–to seniors’ well-being.
Instead of setting unrealistically lofty goals, seniors can begin making small changes to improve their everyday lives. And what better time to do so than the New Year?
Entering your senior years can be complicated. With so many tasks to manage and decisions to make, it is okay to ask for help.
If you or your senior loved one need further guidance navigating your later years, Florida Senior Consulting can help.
Our senior advisors are experts in the field and will help you find the best senior services and care based on your budget, interests, and preferences. We provide these consulting and placement services at no cost to you.
Call us at (941) 661-6196 or visit FloridaSeniorConsulting.com to start living your best life in 2023.
The boundaries of aging are constantly being rewritten. Retirement is no longer synonymous with slowing down. Instead, its a chapter that beckons us to discover the abundance of life in new and exciting ways.An active adult lifestyle embodies the spirit of curiosity, the joy of movement, and the richness of human connections. Its a lifestyle that celebrates the freedom to engage with the world, cultivate passions, and create lasting memories.Read on to learn more about the freedom of an active adult lifestyle and how Riverpointe can help you get the kind of life youve dreamt of.Your Gateway to Vibrant LivingRiverpointe is a testament to an active adult lifestyle. Offering a range of amenities that cater to diverse interests and passions, this community is a sanctuary for those seeking vitality and connection:Diverse Fitness ProgramsAt Riverpointe, the journey to active living begins with tailored fitness programs. From the tranquility of yoga to the energy of low-impact aerobics and the vitality of cardiovascular exercises, residents can move at their own pace. The community recognizes that each individuals journey is unique, and the fitness programs reflect this understanding.Group Excursions and EventsFor those who seek adventure beyond the communitys bounds, RiverPointe offers an array of group excursions. Whether its exploring museums, attending theater performances, or embarking on shopping trips, these outings infuse life with new experiences and shared moments.Cultural and Social EventsStaying within the community doesnt mean missing out on cultural and social engagement. With a Full-time Activity Director at the helm, Riverpointe orchestrates a tapestry of events with everything from concerts, dances, book reviews, speaker programs, movie nights, and more. This vibrant calendar ensures that theres never a dull moment.Onsite AmenitiesRiverpointes onsite amenities are designed to enhance every aspect of life. From garden spaces that invite reflection to an in-house foot clinic that prioritizes well-being, every amenity is a testament to the communitys commitment to holistic living.Apartment ComfortsThe embrace of an active adult lifestyle extends to the very living spaces at Riverpointe. Innovative floor plans offer breathtaking views of the Front Range, immersing residents in the beauty of their surroundings. Meals are more than sustenance; theyre an opportunity to connect over casual lunches or elegant dinners.The apartments at Riverpointe are designed for comfort and convenience. From weekly light housekeeping to basic cable TV, individually controlled heating and air conditioning, and complimentary laundry facilities, every amenity is aimed at enriching the living experience.Embrace Freedom, Embrace LifeThe freedom of an active adult lifestyle isnt merely about the absence of limitations; its about the presence of opportunities that empower us to live life to the fullest. RiverPointe encapsulates this essence, providing a canvas upon which residents can paint their stories of vitality and connection. Its a community that encourages exploration, nurtures connections, and celebrates the beauty of every moment.With Riverpointes offerings, an active adult lifestyle becomes a journey that unfolds with every step. Find joy in a morning yoga session, the thrill of a museum excursion, the laughter shared during a dance night, and the comfort of a thoughtfully designed living space. Find the true embodiment of freedom: the freedom to choose, to connect, to move, to be, and to live.If youre ready to embark on a journey of active living and embrace the freedom to thrive, Riverpointe welcomes you to a community where every day is a canvas for new experiences and cherished memories. Contact us today to get started!
Chances are, most senior citizens have spent much of their lives taking care of others. From raising children to caring for their spouses to eventually helping their own parents, caregiver has probably been one of the big titles theyve held. But what about caring for themselves? In the past several years, the phrase self-care has become a part of the English lexicon. While it might seem self-explanatory - caring for oneself, it can go a little deeper than that. Self-care is not only doing things such as caring for your body; it also means caring for your own mental health and taking care of your overall well-being. Some seniors, whove spent their lives working to help others, might view it as selfish. But it is the opposite. It is important for the enjoyment and health of their lives. For example, for seniors, it can mean making decisions that improve the overall quality of their lives, their health care and their living situation. Prioritizing this can be especially important for seniors who are facing many changes in their lives, many highs and many lows along their aging journey.Here are some ideas for self-care for senior citizens.Relieve StressWhether it is a walk through nature or a steaming hot cup of tea, finding something that helps relieve stress is important for senior citizens. Maybe your stress relief is watching a funny television show. Take an afternoon to binge-watch one of your favorites and help relieve some of your stress as you laugh it away. Dont feel selfish for taking time for yourself that will make you feel better.Saying No When NeededWhile many seniors jump at the chance to have some fun with family or friends, sometimes they just dont feel like it. While they might love Fishermens Village on a normal day, sometimes the thought of leaving the house and all of that activity might be too overwhelming. It is okay to say no once in a while. If the idea is overwhelming, you can skip some events or tasks. Maybe your grandchildren are asking you to help sew their Halloween costumes, but you just cant do it because of your painful arthritis this year. It is ok to ask for some help with the task if you arent feeling up to it or if it will stress you out too much. Instead, maybe suggest doing it together and teaching someone else in the family to do the task and the parts that might be hardest for you to do.ExercisingA wonderful form of self-care is exercising your body. It makes you feel better afterward when you do it both physically and mentally. Take time out of your day for a leisurely walk or to splash in the pool. Getting your body moving is self-care.Hobbies for FunMaybe there is a hobby youve always wanted to try, such as photography. For you, picking up a camera and shooting beautiful pictures is a way to soothe your artistic soul and a form of self-care. Or maybe there is a hobby youve always loved but never had the time for while the kids were growing up. Take it up again to make your soul happy. Go fishing and spend hours on the water. Or start making mosaics again like you used to. Do something that you enjoy doing.Time OutsideTake some time to feel the sun and warmth on your skin. Feel the breeze in your hair. Maybe even slip off your shoes and ground yourself in the sand or on the grass. Getting outside is a form of self-care. Put the tasks you feel you need to complete that day aside for a bit, and take some time to enjoy the outdoors and the scenery of beautiful Southwest Florida.We Can HelpAt Visiting Angels, our professional and compassionate caregivers can help the seniors in your life focus on self-care, and anything else they might need help with. If you are looking for help caring for your senior Visiting Angels Punta Gorda is here to help. Our in-home caregivers provide a variety of home care services, including helping seniors get ready each morning, helping them do the things they enjoy each day, and helping with specialty care, including fall prevention and dementia care.Our highly-regarded team of caregivers serves clients in Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Boca Granda, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Arcadia and surrounding areas. To use our services or to learn more, call us at 941-347-8288, or fill out an online form here.
The holidays are quickly approaching, and no matter your age, the excitement and anticipation often build around this time of the year. It is a great time of the year to plan fun and special events with your aging loved ones. From tried and true family traditions to trying out the new, there are many ways to have holiday fun with your senior loved one. Here are some suggestions.Warm From the InsideNothing says the holiday season like a cup of hot cocoa or a specialty holiday coffee drink, even in warm Florida. There is just something about a warm drink that exudes comfort. Taste test some of the fun holiday concoctions, such as a gingerbread latte or a black and white peppermint mocha, with your senior loved one. If tea is more your thing, you can try a Holly tea, with tea harvested right in Florida by Youpon Brothers at Downtown Kava. The cafe, which, of course, also serves coffee, is right in the heart of Punta Gorda. You can even sip your hot drink on the outdoor covered patio Florida style and look at the holiday decorations adorning the nearby palm trees. If your senior loved one would prefer to sit on the patio full of poinsettias at home, you can make your own creations there, too. From hot cocoa infused with candy cane pieces to eggnog-spiked coffee, the choices to put in your mug are endless.Hit the TownFor some holiday fun, there are plenty of things to do with your senior loved one in the area. Many of the activities can even be done within the comfort of your car if your favorite senior is having mobility issues. For example, you can simply head out when its dark outside and drive through the neighborhoods looking for Christmas lights. Make your own contest among the passengers in the car, voting for your favorite, the brightest and most gaudy.For a more intense light show all in one spot, head to the Charlotte County Fairground this year for the debut of The Wonderland of Lights. There will be hundreds of dazzling light displays shining brightly from December 1 to 30. It will be open each night from 6 to 9 p.m., and the cost to enter is per vehicle.Other ways to have fun with your senior loved one on the town are to hit the local shops or special holiday fairs, including the Thanksgiving weekend craft festival in Punta Gorda, where you can start or try to get all of your shopping done in one outing.Cozy at HomeOne of the best holiday feelings is being at home surrounded by your loved ones in a house decorated for the season. Plan some cozy fun at home for your senior loved one this year, especially if they are having mobility issues and feel safer in the comfort of their own home. You can decorate their space with lights and ribbons to make it more festive, and then enjoy the atmosphere snuggled under a cozy blanket watching a holiday film. Ask them about their favorite holiday film growing up, and then watch that classic. Maybe youll want to introduce them to a more modern favorite of yours. Even if the weather is fairly warm outside, you still can hibernate indoors in a cozy atmosphere with candles and lights.You and your senior loved one can do holiday crafting at home. Making decorations for the tree is fun, whether it is construction paper chains of red and green or pipe cleaners twisted to make stars or antlers on a reindeer.Baking up holiday favorites is a great way to enjoy the season with your aging loved ones. You can bake favorite Christmas cookie recipes that are a tradition in your home, or you can try some new recipes youve found while flipping through magazines or browsing the internet. Find out if theyd really like to make the fruit cake again that no one likes, or maybe theyd like to try to bake a homemade pot pie. Have fun and taste-test the results together.We Can HelpIf youre looking for help with your senior loved one this holiday season, we can help. Our professionals at Visiting Angels Punta Gorda provide a variety of home care services, including companionship during the holiday season, which can often be lonely for seniors. We also can help with personal care to get your loved ones bathed and dressed for holiday events. Visiting Angels also has specialty services, including respite care, safe and steady fall prevention and dementia care.Our professionally trained caregivers serve clients in Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Boca Grande, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Arcadia and surrounding areas. To learn more about our services at Visiting Angels, call us at 941-347-8288 or fill out an online form here.
Senior living on your terms.Whether you are looking for care at home or senior living options, Florida Senior Consulting is here to help.Our approach is different. We are the only senior service provider in Florida that:Provides direct care management at homeCoordinates senior living placement at no cost to youEmploys licensed nurses as senior advocates for optimal careAnd stays connected with you for up to 90 days after move-in to help you acclimateCall us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help with your senior living choices and assure your quality of care. The choice should be yours.
Senior living on your terms.Whether you are looking for care at home or senior living options, Florida Senior Consulting is here to help.Our approach is different. We are the only senior service provider in Florida that:Provides direct care management at homeCoordinates senior living placement at no cost to youEmploys licensed nurses as senior advocates for optimal careAnd stays connected with you for up to 90 days after move-in to help you acclimateCall us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help with your senior living choices and assure your quality of care. The choice should be yours.