Courtesy of WellMed and Optum
A new year brings new resolutions that can lead to improvements in daily habits as well as health benefits for many older Americans.
In fact, according to a 2020 study, older adults who engaged in healthy lifestyle choices such as physical activity, not smoking, not drinking heavily, following a nutritious diet, and taking part in mentally stimulating activities had a 60 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. For people who are already suffering from chronic conditions, setting simple and realistic goals that are manageable with their health challenges is important.
But most of us tend to stray from resolutions before the end of the first month. As you consider making changes and setting goals, here are five achievable resolutions that can help keep you on the right path.
- Pursue an active lifestyle.
Staying active is an admirable goal to have every year. Adults can engage in activities at home, including aerobic exercise, resistance training, yoga, and walking in their neighborhood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular physical activity is vital for healthy aging, helping older adults live independently and prevent or manage chronic disease.
Disclaimer: Talk with your doctor before significantly increasing your activity level. This is especially important for those with underlying medical conditions. Ask about the amounts and types of activities that may be best for you.
- Eat healthily.
Prioritizing healthy eating and healthy snacks is a great place to start. Potential benefits of eating healthily include living longer, stronger bones, enhanced immunity, and a lower risk of certain diseases. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, steps to improve your diet include increasing intake of fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, while limiting sugar, saturated fat, and sodium. If you have allergies or conditions that require a special diet, talk to your doctor about your meal plan.
- Challenge your brain and stimulate your mind.
It is important to practice daily brain stimulation, as age can alter brain size, vasculature, and cognition, according to the National Institute on Aging. A healthy life, both physically and mentally, may be one of the best defenses against the changes of an aging brain. Completing crossword puzzles or playing games such as chess can be a fun way to keep your mind active while enjoying a new hobby. Talk to your doctor if you are worried about changes in your memory and thinking. They can help determine if those changes are normal or something more serious.
- Stay connected with friends and family.
Time spent with family and friends can be very beneficial. According to the CDC, there are several ways to build new and stronger relationships that improve well-being and health, including getting involved in the community, taking time to reach out to loved ones, and expressing gratitude to others. Even a virtual visit is better than no visit at all, when it’s not possible to get together face-to-face.
- See your doctor.
While New Year’s resolutions such as watching what we eat or starting a fitness routine are common, prioritizing and scheduling a wellness visit with a primary care physician is also an important first step. Getting routine preventive care through visits separate from those for illness, injury, or ongoing medical conditions can help you stay well and catch problems earlier, supporting a healthier, longer life.
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