Renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright once said, “The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.” What an inspiring way to approach a new year! Setting new goals can open the door to new sources of happiness and health, especially as we grow older. Choosing to make a move to senior living can make it even easier to accomplish those goals thanks to availability of enriching lifestyle programs.
Resolution #1: Get moving! It might sound like a tall order, but there are some easy steps you or your loved one can take that can make a significant impact on overall health. Take exercise, for instance. Just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise each week can make a big difference by helping improve your balance and strength. It can prevent or delay heart disease, diabetes, or osteoporosis. It can also give you more energy and help keep your brain sharp.
Finding more ways to be active is, therefore, a smart New Year’s resolution. This can be as simple as taking a brisk walk every morning, doing easy exercises while watching television, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Chair aerobics is another option when mobility is a concern. Making a move to senior living gives you access to a wide range of fitness opportunities, as well as the company of others who share the same goals and can help keep you motivated!
Resolution #2: Make healthier choices. No matter your age, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is not always easy to get to the market for fresh fruits and vegetables. Sometimes you’re just not in the mood to prepare a balanced meal. It’s easier to sit on the couch and watch TV all day rather than go for a walk. If you think someone you love is having these issues, the new year is a great time for a reboot. Resolve to make healthier choices, such as eating more nutritious foods, getting outdoors regularly to take in the benefits of nature, and seeing a physician for regular checkups.
Many older adults find it’s easier to stay on track with their healthy choices after making a move to senior living, where everything is geared for their health and wellness. Experienced chefs prepare meals that are both delicious and filled with nutrients. Common areas include inviting outdoor areas for socializing. And a professional staff is on hand to offer health monitoring.
Resolution #3: Expand your community. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut as the years go by, especially when it can feel hard to make new friends or even stay in touch with those you’ve known for years. But having those social connections is vital for mental and physical health.
Make a resolution for the new year to make an extra effort to meet new people—and new friends! For some, this could mean joining a class, taking a trip, or visiting a different place of worship. For those with mobility concerns, it can be challenging to find ways to be around potential new friends. But with a move to senior living, a whole new world opens up—one filled with opportunities for companionship and support. As a resident of a senior living community, you or your loved one are free to be as social as you choose, knowing you also can opt for privacy when desired.
Resolution #4: Learn something new. It’s good for us to keep learning new things, no matter our age. In fact, stimulating the brain increases neurons, helps decrease muscle tension and blood pressure, makes it easier to cope with changes in life, and can play a role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. By making a move to senior living, an older adult can have easy access to a range of learning opportunities which include classes, lectures, outings to museums and galleries, book clubs, group discussions of world events, concerts, crafts classes, and more.
The new year is a great time to educate yourself on a topic or hobby you’ve always wanted to learn. Want to learn how to speak French or how to play bridge? Curious about the history of Venice? Whether in a class, online, or with a group, learning something new is an exciting goal—and a perfect resolution for the new year.
Resolution #5: Keep a positive outlook. Someone wise once said, “We are what we think.” It follows that when our thoughts are positive and filled with hope, our personalities are brighter, our mood is better, and our friends are more inclined to spend time with us. As the new year approaches, it’s a good time to stop and think about your attitude. Are you looking forward to the future? Have you defined some goals you want to accomplish? Do you view aging as an adventure with rewards you can celebrate?
Try this resolution on for size: be positive, be happy, and laugh more. It’s not just good for your mood, it’s actually good for your health as well. In fact, happiness lowers your risk for cardiovascular disease, lowers your blood pressure, promotes better sleep quality, and reduces stress. Feeling happy and positive also helps you solve problems and enhances your learning ability. And did you know that laughter can positively affect your blood vessels, increasing blood flow and regulating your blood pressure? These positive effects can last 24 hours!
Of course, where you live and who you see each day affects your attitude and level of happiness. With a move to senior living, older adults can surround themselves with countless opportunities to interact with dynamic, interesting people who share their desire for lifelong wellness. It’s an environment where you can find a purpose, connect with others, expand your horizons, and look forward to more freedom and more contentment in everyday life.
Resolve to Enjoy Life More in the New Year.
Enhance your health, build your connections, stimulate your brain, and look at the bright side of things—make your new year a time to shine! At Clearwater Living, we believe that living in a community should be inspiring and fulfilling. We invite you to learn more!
Is it the right time for senior living? Learn more about which options might be right for your family with this quick five-minute survey. Contact us fto learn more about Clearwater Living.