It’s hard to believe, but the end of the year is just around the corner. Whether you are someone who sets New Year’s resolutions each year or not, the new year can offer a fresh start and some extra motivation to create positive changes in your life.
However, there’s no need to overhaul your life. A few small shifts in your habits can have a big impact on your health and longevity. Resolving to try something even just for a week may soon turn into a lifestyle change you can sustain.
Here are our recommendations for a healthy new year and beyond.
1. Keep a Positive Mindset
Research shows that maintaining a positive mindset comes with a host of health benefits. Positivity has been linked to a lower risk of memory loss, quicker recovery from illness, injury or disability, a lower risk of chronic disease, and decreased feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Positive thinking doesn’t mean wearing rose-colored glasses all the time or ignoring difficult feelings. Rather, it means stressing less about the things you cannot change and focusing on those you can.
When it comes to aging, attitude is everything. Research from Georgia State University shows that attitudes toward aging are highly predictive of aging outcomes. Breaking down common misconceptions of aging can free you to enjoy your golden years and defy stereotypes.
2. Commit to 10 Minutes of Exercise Daily
Starting on the path to better health can feel overwhelming. The thought of trying to make a big change in your diet or exercise may seem drastic or unrealistic – particularly if you try to tackle them all at once. But like any journey, all it takes to get going is just one step.
There is a lot of power in starting slow and small. For example, if you go for a 10-minute walk every day for a week, you might find that by the second week, you can walk 15 minutes. Before you know it, you’re well on your way to meeting the CDC’s recommendation for daily exercise.
Adults aged 65 and older need at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. Walking just 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening on weekdays could help you meet your goal.
Is cold or wet weather keeping you indoors? Taking a few minutes to walk the hallways in your community is a great way to get your steps in without getting out. Simply walking an extra 10 minutes on the way to breakfast, lunch and dinner would add up to a whopping 3.5 hours of exercise each week.
3. Spend Time with the Younger Generation
Research shows that senior adults who spend quality time with their grandchildren live longer and have better physical and mental health outcomes than those who do not.
Meaningful, purposeful relationships between young and old result in a dual win: they help youth develop their sense of self-worth and meaning while enriching the lives of older adults who contribute to the well-being of upcoming generations.
If you don’t have grandkids, spending time with nieces, nephews, or other family members can bring similar benefits. Volunteering with children is another great way to cultivate intergenerational relationships.
Check out our ideas for some conversation starters with youngsters here.
4. Stimulate Your Mind
Regularly challenging your brain is one of the best ways to stay mentally sharp as you age. It’s also a great way to reduce your risk of memory loss or developing dementia.
Simple things such as reading daily, doing crosswords, or joining a book club are fun ways to ensure your body’s most important muscle receives an adequate workout.
Senior Star communities offer a wide variety of opportunities for residents to challenge their minds.
Game nights, Dakim® BrainFitness, and our Signature Programs are designed to promote intellectual wellness. Senior Star also offers a variety of educational seminars, keystone speakers and opportunities for continuing education. Reach out to your local community to find out what’s coming up in your area.
5. Reach Out to Old Friends and Make New Ones
Studies show that socially active older adults are healthier and live longer.
According to the National Institute on Aging the health risks of prolonged isolation are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Social isolation and loneliness have even been estimated to shorten a person’s life span by as many as 15 years.
Social media makes it easy to find and reach out to old friends and senior living communities provide ample opportunity to make new ones.
At Senior Star you are surrounded by friends, neighbors, and caring associates. You can simply walk outside of your residence to find someone interested in getting to know you. Events, activities, clubs, and dining venues all provide excellent opportunities to develop deep and lasting friendships.
6. Try Something Totally New
Retirement is the perfect time to try something outside of your comfort zone.
A 2020 study shows that (contrary to popular belief) cognitive abilities don’t necessarily decline with age. Researchers looked at the working memory of older adults compared to younger adults and found that, in many cases, the older adults outperformed the younger adults and responded just as quickly to questions.
Perhaps you’ve always wanted to write a book. Now’s the time to try by enrolling in a creative writing course. Want to vacation in Italy? Prepare for your trip by learning a little bit of the language. Never had a chance to learn to play the piano? Sign up for lessons.
Living in a retirement community frees you from the burdens of housework and maintenance so you have ample time and energy to take on the things that excite you. With less on your plate, you can time pursue your goals, travel, and enjoy more time with friends and family.
What will you achieve in 2024? The opportunities are endless if you just take it one small step at a time.
Are you ready to embrace a new year and new season of life with fewer responsibilities?
Schedule a Tour or contact us to learn more.