Happy, Healthy New Years Resolutions for Seniors

Introduction to New Years Resolutions for Seniors

Assuming you are in relatively good health, retirement can be a rewarding time, full of adventure and special times with family and friends. However, even if you are alone, it doesn’t mean you have to become a hermit and hide yourself from the outside world. It is widely known that social engagement and staying active as you age are keys to a long and healthy life. This article, Happy, Healthy New Years Resolutions for Seniors, is meant to encourage you to get “out there”, try something new, and find out what adventures are available for older adults.

Try a New Food Every Week

We all have our favorite dishes as well as our favorite food types (mine are Mexican and Italian). Now that you’re retired, you have time to explore and try new dishes. This can be done in a variety of ways.

• Try the latest new restaurant in town. Be adventurous and find one with an unfamiliar or exotic menu.
• Take a cooking class in a new food type.
• Explore with a friend or loved one. Between the two of you, there are plenty of restaurants OR foods to explore, cook and enjoy.

Pursue Continuous Learning

Those that live long and healthy lives tend to be curious and always willing to learn something new. According to Psychology Today, lifelong learning is a powerful tool for reducing cognitive decline associated with aging, as well as addressing issues like depression and poor self-image in older adults.

Investigate a new topic or hobby, or expand your existing interests. With your current hobbies, you may even try teaching or sharing it with others, which could be a whole new adventure.

Cultivate a Hobby

Participating in hobbies can contribute to lowering the risk of dementia and other mental health issues, according to the National Institutes on Aging. Discover the joy of walking, hiking, painting, outdoor recreation, or a anything that you think might interest you. Retirement should be a time to explore after a lifetime of work.

Even something as simple as scheduling a game night or playing weekly bridge with a circle of friends will keep you active, social and enjoying what life has to offer.

Clubs are a great way to engage in current or even new hobbies. Here are just a few ideas:

• Book Clubs
• Cooking Classes
• Travel Clubs
• Walking and Hiking Clubs
• Cycling Clubs
• Tennis or Pickleball Groups
• Senior Groups (including in local churches)

Discover New Desserts

Expand your palate by trying exotic desserts like Tres Leches Cake, kuchen, kolaches, or Beignets. Revisit old favorites or learn to make them yourself. Share your creations with friends, turning the experience into a delightful win/win.

Consider Pursuing Creative Writing

Capture the richness of your life experiences through writing, whether it’s a book, poem, or even a joke. You could even start an internet blog. Research indicates that writing about your life can be a fulfilling endeavor and may help ward off depression. Dive into your memories and share the stories that define who you are.

Enroll in Dance or Exercise Classes

Maintain physical health by incorporating dance or exercise classes into your routine. Dancing is not only great exercise, but engages your brain in learning something new as well as a sense of accomplishment. It also gets you “out of the house” and interacting with others. Exercise has the same benefit and if done with others, can also improve social engagement. The Centers of Disease Control recommend at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity activity, such as brisk walking.

Enjoy Reading

Enhance memory, decision-making skills, and overall well-being by immersing yourself in books. Consider joining established book clubs or create one yourself. Engage in the joy of reading while socializing with others.

Devote an Hour a Day to Your Dream

Whether it’s writing a novel, painting, or learning a language, allocate one hour each day to pursue your dream. The cumulative effect of consistent effort and focus over a year can yield significant progress.

Cultivate Gratitude and a Positive Attitude

Nurture gratitude through a simple journaling practice, jotting down one thing you’re thankful for daily. Doing this on a daily basis will change your outlook on life and point you in a more positive, thankful direction. You will be amazed at the difference it can make in the quality of your life.

Get Outside & Connect with Nature

Research shows that time spent with nature and in the outdoors has many health benefits. If you have been with me for a while on this website, you know outdoor recreation is one of my favorite activities. Of course, this not only allows you to connect with nature, but provides exercise, fresh air and a break from the monotony of daily indoor life. Some of my favorite outdoor activities for seniors include:

• Walking and Hiking
• Snowshoeing and X-Country Skiing
• Cycling
• Pickleball

Learn to Appreciate Life’s Little Pleasures

Frankly, now that this journey with my son’s health issues is entering year three, I have learned to appreciate the small things that have been denied us given his compromised immune system and our prolonged “quarantine”. Take and find joy in the small things – the aroma of morning coffee, a breakfast with a life-long friend, a warm hug, or the melody of a favorite tune. Embrace the simplicity that brings immense pleasure. I long for the days of just spending time with friends and loved ones or going “out” to a restaurant.

Volunteer in the Community

Volunteer in your local community. This will give you a sense of accomplishment as well as provide physical and mental “exercise” to keep you young. Studies show staying engaged in the community provides benefits such as lower mortality rates, reduced depression, fewer physical limitations, and enhanced well-being.

Explore your Ancestry with a DNA Test

DNA testing is a relatively recent phenomenon that I have yet to check out. My brother had his DNA test done and found some interesting things about our ancestry. If you are the curious type or like genealogy, this can be an intriguing and fun activity. Take it a step further and contact relatives and begin to document your family history.

Enjoy Live Music and the Arts

Treat yourself to live music performances in the genre of your choice. Consider finding others to share the experience…making it perhaps a dinner and a show or a show and “drinks, coffee or dessert” afterwards. Music and the arts are shown to be therapeutic and of course can often help you celebrate occasions (birthdays, anniversaries or traditional holiday performances).

Conclusion

These resolutions encompass a wide range of activities, ensuring a year filled with exploration, growth, and joy. Whether you’re delving into new cuisines, engaging in new hobbies, or connecting with your community, each adventure can contribute to a richer, more fulfilling life.

Resources

• 7 Online Book Clubs You Can Join Now
• How to Start a Book Club: Advice for Seniors
• Ten Senior Clubs to Join
• Lifelong Learning Resources for Seniors
• Smithsonian Associates

Related Posts from Optimal Retirement Living

• Resources for Hikers and Walkers
• Guide to Cross-Country Skiing Resorts (& Snowshoeing)
• Snowshoeing Gear Guide
• Lifelong Learning Resources for Seniors
• Cycling Resources for Seniors

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