Has this happened to you? On January 1st, you make your New Year’s resolution only to break it by January 10th. Whether you are in your 30s, 50s, or 80s, we all share a similar experience. We want to live a healthy, happy life free from major illnesses. Granted, when you are in your 50s, the challenges are not the same as someone in the 80s or 90s – but we can still work on healthy goals.
The reality is no one should be making New Year’s Resolutions. Our goal should be to continually move towards living a healthy and happier life where your mind, body, and soul are continually renewed and stimulated.
If you are looking to make 2021 one of your healthiest and happiest years yet, consider focusing on achievable goals to boost your health and quality of life. It turns out that even small daily adjustments can have a surprisingly significant impact on your health!
Eat more nutrient-dense foods.
As you grow older, your body does not need as many calories, but it still needs the same amount of nutrients. Try eating more nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, seafood, lean meats and poultry, beans, nuts, and seeds. Also, consider consuming less sugar-sweetened drinks and desserts, white bread and pasta made from refined grains, advises the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Get Active.
You have heard it repeatedly: physical activity and exercise are good for you, and you should aim to make them part of your routine. Countless studies prove the important health benefits associated with exercise, and it becomes more important as we age. Regular physical activity and exercise for seniors help improve mental and physical health, both of which will help you maintain your independence as you age.
If you are new to exercising, start slow. Best exercises for seniors would be chair yoga, resistance band workouts, walking, and water aerobics.
Be positive.
Studies show that a positive attitude has been linked to faster and better recovery from injury or disability. According to Dalhousie University, it can also lower the risk of chronic disease and memory loss, less isolation and loneliness, and handling stress better without ignoring difficulties.
Stimulate your mind.
Challenging your brain to learn something new helps keep your brain healthy. Depending on your interests, you could participate in arts and crafts, book club, genealogy, word puzzles, bingo, play bridge, or learn a new skill. Lifelong learning helps build cognitive reserve, the brain’s resilience, and the ability to cope with stress and challenges.
Volunteer.
Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health. It can help with counteracting the effects of stress, anger, anxiety, and depression. When you volunteer, it will make you happy. By measuring hormones and brain activity, researchers have discovered that being helpful to others delivers immense pleasure.
Stay connected and make new friends.
We are never too old to make new friends. Friends bring more happiness into our lives than virtually anything else. Friendships have a significant impact on your mental health and happiness. Good friends relieve stress, provide comfort and joy, and prevent loneliness and isolation. Developing close friendships can also have a powerful impact on your physical health.