The start of a new year signals an opportunity to review and renew ourselves – and it’s even more important to embrace that opportunity as we age. After all, it’s never too late to adjust your lifestyle and develop new habits that will result in a happier, healthier, and younger-feeling you.
At Integrated, we believe that sticking to these ten resolutions will help fulfill the needs of any senior, and prepare them for a fruitful and prosperous new year. The decision to commit to these changes will help you gain control of your well-being and reinvigorate your life!
Here are ten smart resolutions seniors are making this New Year:
1. Embrace technology and the use of social media
In this day and age, technology is king. And while there is no replacement for in-person interaction, technology can provide countless fun and interactive ways to connect with loved ones every day.
Now more than ever, that ability to connect is truly a blessing.Through social networks, today’s seniors can stay in touch with family, locate old friends, engage with their community and join interest groups for any hobby or pastime imaginable.
Connecting in a digital world can feel further from reach with age, but it doesn’t have to. Software developers, such as our partner iN2L, have created senior-friendly devices which equip today’s older generation with the ability to communicate with others at a pace they prefer.
With iN2L, our assisted living residents have the capability to easily video chat with friends & family, browse interests online, share photographs, play games and much more. As many devices are now catering to older adults, more seniors are finding it easier to embrace technology and experience all the good it has to offer.
2. Take on a new interest, or re-visit a favorite hobby
It is never a bad time to acquire a new interest or reignite the creative spark you once had! Revisit the woodworking or pick up that paintbrush. Whatever it may be, research shows that focusing on a particular interest helps keep our minds sharp, and reduces the risk for dementia and cognitive decline as we age.
Our Integrated communities do a superior job of hosting engaging events and classes that focus on many skills and interests. With a robust calendar of activities, it’s easy for our residents to explore new and old interests within the company of others.
3. Strengthen and develop your relationships
Enjoying hobbies with others brings us to our next resolution – more socialization! It’s no secret that developing social bonds and maintaining a sense of connection with others does wonders for our well-being. Not only is living in isolation lonely – it’s hazardous to your health!
Moving into a retirement community is an easy way to reach out and meet others, but volunteering, becoming involved within your community, or visiting your local senior center are also good options for meeting others.
4. Make an effort to exercise more
By the age of 75, exercise has drastically declined in 1 out of 3 older adults.This year, work to beat that statistic and improve your health in the process! Only moderate physical activity is needed for you to experience tremendous results. A 30-minute walk or a low to moderate weight workout is all it takes to start reducing your blood pressure, prevent joint swelling, and strengthen those muscles and bones!
Exercise also improves your stability which decreases your risk of falling, and reduces the likelihood of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other unfortunate ailments.
5. Eat nutritious, balanced meals
Combined with physical activity, the key to good health is a well-balanced and nutritious diet. Even though our diets change with age, the general message remains the same – take care of your diet, and your diet will take care of you.
Integrated’s culinary teams work hard to produce well-balanced meals for our residents, which is one of the many enjoyments of senior living. For those who don’t reside within a community where options are readily available, the need to maintain a diet can suddenly become much more difficult to achieve.
If you’re unsure of your nutritional needs, the US Department of Agriculture’s Choose My Plate Program and your health provider can help you make wise dietary choices to get you started.
6. Sort and declutter your belongings
The turn of the year is a good opportunity to reorganize your belongings, paperwork, and treasured mementos. If you’re still living in a house and considering downsizing, there are many experts who can help make this process less daunting and more manageable. A tidy and organized home helps reduce stress and improves your well-being, so why not start now?
7. Organize your health records
While sorting through the clutter, you may find it’s time to reorganize your health records. Research shows that people who track and update their health records maintain better health overall. Seeing your health records from a bigger perspective and having them readily available in event of an emergency could ultimately end up saving your life.
8. Guard yourself from accidental falls
Speaking of life-saving, accidental falls are a leading cause of injury and death in older adults. That’s why it’s important you determine any safety hazards and assess your risks now to ensure a safe and accident-free year.
Through partnerships with our local care providers, Integrated has drastically reduced our residents’ risk of falls within our communities. We can also help reduce your risk of falls through the use of our fall-risk questionnaire and checklist, which can be found here.
9. Boost your brain health
Many of the resolutions we’ve mentioned such as diet management, exercise, socialization and exploring new hobbies are all effective in boosting brain power and improving your cognitive health. By committing to just a few of these resolutions, you will already be doing your brain a huge favor!
Once you embrace technology, you will also discover the endless amount of brain training applications and web pages available today. Whether you play alone online or hands-on in the company of others, classic games such as marbles, checkers, crosswords, puzzles and cards also help slow down decline, and may bring back a little nostalgia along the way!
10. Explore Senior Living Options
The benefits of moving into a senior living community are far from few. In this upcoming year, exploring senior living could be your most important resolution yet, as a move into a retirement community can help you check off all the boxes that promote a happier, healthier you.
If you’re considering independent senior living, this checklist may be of help in determining what factors are most important to you.
If you welcome the need for assisted living in the upcoming year, our compiled list of differentiators highlights our unique approach to care and culture, and makes it easy to understand why so many families choose our communities for their loved ones.
With this list, Integrated hopes to inspire you to make the changes needed to improve your health and keep you feeling your absolute best. This year, commit to these resolutions and watch yourself thrive!