New Years Resolutions for Seniors: 5 Ideas to Try

There is no better time to get started on improving your health and wellness than with the fresh start of a new year! Make 2022 one of your best years yet by committing yourself to small, achievable goals that help boost your quality of life. Even the smallest positive changes can make the biggest impacts!

We’ve talked about how to stick to your resolutions – now, we’ve put together some ideas for you to get the ball rolling! Here are 5 of our favorite New Year’s resolutions for seniors to help you feel great this year:

1. Keep a Positive Mindset

The power of positive thinking is a real thing! Research has shown that keeping a positive mindset offers an abundance of health benefits, including:

Lower risk of memory loss
Faster recovery from injury or illness
Decreased feelings of loneliness
Lower risk of chronic illness and disease

For an upcoming year that brings a lot of unknowns, try to start small with maintaining a positive outlook as we settle into 2022. Try making a gratitude list, where you jot down a few things you feel grateful for – big or small – each day. Breathing exercises or meditation can also calm your mind, help you feel relaxed and give you space to think clearly about gratitude and the good in life!

2. Make Good Dietary Choices

Let’s be clear – this resolution is not encouraging the classic New Years’ “diet,” not even close! The focus here should be mindful eating, meaning you are thoughtful about what your body needs and what you are nourishing it with. Go for nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fresh seafood and lean meats. Making a few easy swaps in your day-to-day meals can make a huge impact on how you feel – plus, you will be pleasantly surprised at how delicious whole foods can truly be!

3. Prioritize Physical Activity

Staying physically active is an essential part of life, especially as we age, and is worth being a top priority when it comes to your goals in 2022. Regular exercise from a variety of workouts can improve flexibility, strength, and balance – and will make you feel amazing! Some additional benefits of regular, gentle exercise in seniors include:

Better sleep
Lowers feelings of depression
Improved fall prevention
Decreased risk of illness, including heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure

Try for about 30 minutes of exercise per day to start and work your way up from there, if you can. Some fun and low-impact activities could include yoga, water aerobics, biking, hiking or swimming!

4. Stay Connected (and Make New Friends!)

The importance of social experiences for seniors cannot be emphasized enough – there are so many health benefits to staying connected with loved ones (and even making new friends!) Social engagement is linked to a lower risk of depression, better cognition, and an overall improved quality of life. Make social outings a priority to help stay connected!

At Cumberland Crossing, social engagements are one of the most fun parts about our community! From educational activities, to cultural, fitness and dining opportunities, as well as complimentary access to some of the best golf courses in Maine – there is something for everyone at Cumberland Crossing!

5. Challenge Your Brain

One of the best ways to stay sharp is by regularly challenging your brain! As they say, “Use it or lose it!” This resolution doesn’t require much, but a little commitment will go a long way if you can incorporate small ways to workout your brain, including reducing your risk of memory loss.

Some fun, simple ways to stimulate your mind include:

Daily reading or writing – joining a book club would be a great way to combine social interaction with brain exercise!
Crossword puzzles
Take a class at your local university, like the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Southern Maine

There are so many interesting ways to challenge your brain and improve your cognitive health – the world is your oyster!

Cumberland Crossing by OceanView

Make your resolutions a reality at Cumberland Crossing by Oceanview! We are an active retirement community located in stunning Cumberland, Maine. Our customizable, maintenance-free cottages offer a 100% refundable deposit, meaning you can spend less time worrying about the burden of homeownership and spend more time simply enjoying your retirement to the fullest!

To learn more about our community, please contact us today!