Regardless of your age, setting new goals is always a good idea. Goals help to keep us focused on positive things and help us make good decisions. And of course, New Year’s is a time of year that we always reflect on things we may have not done the previous year, and think about things we want to accomplish in the New Year. Although Seniors may have already lived the majority of their lives, making resolutions for the New Year should not be limited to young people.
Here are a few ideas to help the seniors in your life set resolutions for the upcoming year:
Physical Activity – Regardless of your physical ability or constraints, regular exercise help Seniors to stay fit and healthy as they age. Caregivers or Family members can help note any restrictions or doctor’s recommendations. Even a little bit of activity every day, whether it’s going on a walk, or doing leg raises at your chair, a little goes a long way.
Stay Active and Join a Group – Whether it is participating in a community garden, BINGO at the Senior Center or Retirement Community, or being involved with a Church group, social interaction is incredibly beneficial for Seniors. Being involved in the community can ward off loneliness and depression and give elderly ones a sense of purpose.
Start a Memory Book or Scrap Book – Seniors are from an era when handwritten letters were a valued form of etiquette. Families can help elderly ones recapture the romance of letter-writing by purchasing a bound journal and writing a letter inside. The senior will then write a letter in return, and the journal is passed along again. A memory book of cherished photographs is another worthy endeavor.’ Both are creative ways to keep in touch with family and get to know each other better.
Social Media – Believe it or not, many Elderly individuals enjoy keeping up with life events and family photos on sites such as Facebook and Instagram. Programs like Skype and FaceTime are all great ways to communicate with friends and family both near and far.
Learn a new Hobby – Age should never be a reason to stop learning. Help the Seniors in your life pick up a new hobby, or ask their in-home caregiver to assist. Learning a new card game, or a brain game like Sudoku or something similar, is a great way to keep your mind sharp.
Setting New Year’s resolutions gives Seniors a sense of purpose and can be a good activity to do together as a Family. One of Tony Robbins, a motivational speaker, most famous quotes is, ‘If you talk about it, its a dream ‘If you envision it, its possible, but if you schedule it, its real.
Havenwood would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!