For more information on Right at Home, Click Here.The time-honored tradition of making New Years resolutions dates back to ancient Babylonians4,000 years ago. Today,40-45% of Americans set New Years resolutions each year. With the new year almost here, now is the perfect time to think about your resolution for 2022.Make this year ahead the year you exercise more, eat better, or vow to live life to the fullest. Or, simply choose to cut back on bad habits or to spend more time with friends. No matter what your resolutions are for this coming year, its now time to plan how to achieve them.Unfortunately, many people have trouble sticking with their New Years resolutions. In fact, 80% of resolutions are abandoned by February. But just because they can be elusive doesn't mean resolutions are impossible. Goal setting is an important part of resolution success and can improve mental health. Here's how to set and keep your next New Years resolution:Select One Simple ResolutionWhen thinking about your New Years resolution, keep it simple. We all aspire to do so many things, but overwhelming yourself with an extensive list of resolutions will quickly feel unattainable. Your resolution doesn't have to be a hefty goal, and it especially shouldn't be something you do not think you can achieve.Instead, choose one simple resolution you could accomplish today. Simple resolutions include drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables, listening to more music, or stretching more often. You could aspire to journal throughout the new year or stay more in touch with loved ones. Selecting your resolution is a big first step. Make a list of your top three choices and narrow it down to the one you're most likely to keep and enjoy doing throughout the year.Write It DownOnce you have selected your resolution, make it official. Write down your resolution on a sheet of paper. Writing down your resolution helps you focus and reminds you of its importance .Next, find the perfect place to store that piece of paper. Select somewhere you know that you'll see it every day. Save it beside your bed, tape it to a mirror, or carry it in your wallet. Choose a spot where it will not get lost or damaged. Seeing your resolution as you go about your day will remind you of the goal you set and help you keep working toward achieving it.Plan for SetbacksMaintaining a New Years resolution is hard work! That doesn't mean its not possible. Prepare for any setbacks you might encounter throughout the year with the right tools in your toolkit. Know that there might be times when it is more difficult to stick to your resolution. Plan for those days. If your goal is to be more in touch with loved ones, set yourself up for success by creating a list of those you want to call at the beginning of each month, and check off the list as you go. Or, if you want to drink more water, ensure a glass is by your bedside for when you wake up in the morning to start your day off right. It is also important to ensure that others you hold in high regard know about your resolution since telling them may help you keep it, especially on difficult days.If you begin finding it hard to meet your resolution, remind yourself of why you set it in the first place .Chat with a friend or journal to remind yourself of your reasons for making your resolution, and you'll be back on track in no time.Celebrate Your SuccessesBig successes start small. It is so exciting to meet your goals and uphold your resolution. But, you don't have to wait until the end of the year to reward yourself for your perseverance. Instead, set milestones and check-in points for yourself throughout the year. Sticking to your resolution each week or month is a big deal.Many resolutions turn into lifestyle changes, and the best way to create habits is little by little. Following these four tips will help you set and keep your New Years resolution.

For more information on Right at Home, Click Here.Eating a nutritious diet can add more years to our life, and improve the quality of those years. A diet that is rich in nutrients, and low in unhealthy ingredients such as bad fats and added sugar and salt, lowers the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, frailty, vision loss, and even Alzheimer's disease. It also helps seniors maintain a healthy weight.But as we grow older, we can face barriers to good nutrition. Here are five common challenges and how family can work with older loved ones to overcome them.Loss of appetite. Age-related diminishing of taste, smell and vision, as well as changes in the digestive system, can make food seem less appealing. To enhance flavor, try marinades, condiments and spices. Older adults may be more sensitive to foods that are very spicy or sour and of course, avoid excess salt.Health problems. Loose or missing teeth, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, or the effects of a stroke can make it difficult to prepare meals, use utensils, chew and swallow. These problems should be addressed with your loved ones health care provider. The doctor or dietitian might recommend soft foods, as well as modified cooking tools and eating utensils.Financial challenges .Most communities offer meal programs for older adults, such as Meals on Wheels or community dining programs. (Many of these programs are delivery-only these days.) Your loved one also might qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Help your loved one contact their local senior services agency to learn more.Transportation. When its no longer safe for an older adult to drive, getting groceries can be a real challenge! Family and friends can offer to pick up what their loved one needs, or take them to the market. Volunteers, senior transportation and ride-sharing companies might be an option. During the pandemic, older adults have discovered the convenience of grocery and restaurant delivery. Family can help their loved one navigate the websites and install apps.Social isolation. Seniors who are lonely often forget to eat or they might turn to unhealthy, processed comfort foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar. And few people are motivated to cook for one. Community dining programs offer companionship that improves the appetite. Family and friends can schedule regular meals with their loved one or have cooking gatherings to create nourishing meals their loved one can freeze.Five ways home care supports senior nutritionMeal preparation .A trained, professional in-home caregiver can serve as your loved ones personal chef, creating meals and snacks your loved one enjoys, while modifying foods to comply with prescribed special diets such as soft, low-salt, low-fat or gluten-free. Your loved one can participate in menu planning; studies show food choice enhances appetite.Shop for groceries. The professional caregiver can pick up groceries at the store if your loved one cant go, or prefers not to. But for seniors with mobility or cognitive challenges who spend much of the time at home, a trip to the market can be a real treat! Getting a little exercise while making selections from pyramids of produce and aisles of colorful packages provides an appetite boost.Companionship. Watching the caregiver create the meal and set a lovely table, and enjoying pleasant conversation during mealtime are more appetite boosters. And seniors with chewing or swallowing difficulties feel more confident with a supportive, nonjudgmental caregiver nearby.Transportation. Grocery shopping is just the beginning. Your loved one may have regular appointments with their dentist, a dietitian, a speech-language therapist if they have a swallowing disorder, or an occupational therapist to help with eating and preparing foods. The caregiver can take your loved one to these appointments, and on trips out and about for exercise and to stay connected.Memory care. People with Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia may have decreased appetite and sense of thirst. They may have trouble using utensils and swallowing food. The professional caregiver can prepare special meals and provide supervision, assistance and encouragement as recommended by your loved ones health care provider.Right at Home caregivers are trained to help clients follow the dietary recommendations of their health care professionals. Contact your local Right at Home today and ask for a FREE in-home consultation.