Towards the end of every December, those of all ages reflect on the year they’re leaving behind and start focusing on the future. January really is a great time to set some New Year’s goals in an attempt to better yourself in one way or another. The hectic holiday season has come to a close, and you can now get settled back into your daily routine. Or, better yet, create a new routine to ensure you’re getting the most out of all life has to offer.

Don’t you love turning to the first page of a new book? There’s a feeling of expectation at the start of a story, and with the beginning of the new year, that same level of hopeful excitement settles upon us. Better yet, we have some level of control over how our story will play out, as we resolve to make healthy lifestyle changes to improve our wellbeing, our relationships with others, and the paths our lives will take.

For seniors, breaking old habits can be somewhat difficult. It’s so easy to get set in your ways, doing the same things day in and day out, with little thought to the impact they’re having on your overall wellness. This is why it’s important to think about how you can live the fullest life possible and start changing up your routine accordingly. Making resolutions is a wonderful way to impart a sense of achievement, meaning, and purpose in life. A wonderful bonding activity for family members is to sit down together and write down a listing of each person’s wishes for the new year, and how to set about acquiring those.

Some recommendations to kickstart the conversation, especially for the seniors you love, include:

·      Strive for Five. The USDA recommends five helpings of fruits and vegetables for seniors every day. Top choices include those that are dark green or brightly colored, such as kale, spinach, collard greens, cantaloupe, and bell peppers.

·      Start Moving! Every one of us can benefit from some extra physical activity. Always begin with a consultation with the doctor to receive approval on an exercise plan, and then put a plan in place to implement. Great exercises for many older adults include swimming or water aerobics, walking, and tai chi. Working with a family member, or a professional in-home caregiver from a senior care company, can provide the motivation and encouragement to stick to it.

·      Make an Appointment – or Two. Take out the calendar, pick up the phone, and arrange for all those tests and screenings you’ve been putting off: vision and hearing check-ups, colon and breast cancer screenings, osteoporosis tests, etc.

·      Boost Your Brain. Decide that this will be the year to learn something new or to try something you’ve always wanted to try. For senior adults, there are various kinds of senior-specific courses at community colleges that offer the added benefit of enhancing socialization. Other good choices include online language courses, memory games and puzzles, or educational activities at the local library.

·      End a Bad Habit. Whether it’s quitting smoking, curbing alcohol consumption, or another unhealthy habit, the new year is the perfect occasion to determine to overcome it. Setting small goals and celebrating along the way is a great way to improve chances of success.

Enjoy life to the fullest. This might seem like an obvious New Year’s resolution, but it’s so easy for us to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives that we tend to miss out on the small pleasures. Settle in on a chilly day with a book from your favorite author. Go to lunch with a family member you haven’t seen much of lately. Volunteer or join a club at your senior living community. Simply enjoy doing all the things you love to do!