Everyone participates in New Year’s resolutions. What are some good resolutions for seniors?
New Year’s resolutions are a good way of incorporating good habits into our daily lives. For seniors, it’s an opportunity to promote healthy living. Here are some ideas of resolutions to help seniors improve the quality of life.
Resolution #1 – Create a safer home environment
Falls are the number one reason for hospitalization for an injury among seniors, so working to prevent falls is a good resolution to adopt this year. Create a safer home environment by installing equipment around your home to make daily life easier and safer. Grab bars in the shower and bathtub will give you extra stability in your bathroom; install nightlights for dark hallways to make walking around safer; clear clutter and chords from pathways to ensure safe walking areas; and buy socks or slippers with grips on the bottom for more stability. For more suggestions on how to create a safer home environment, get an assessment from your home health care provider.
Resolution #2 – Pay attention to your changing needs
The daily needs for older adults may change with age. Keeping up with everyday responsibilities like household chores or driving may have once been easy tasks but now pose to be more challenging. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help either from family members or professional caregivers. It’s important to acknowledge that in order to be able to live safely and independently at home, you may need to employ the services of companions or home health aides in order to accomplish this.
Resolution #3 – Move more
Exercising more is a common and beneficial resolution for people of all ages. Of course, you should always consult a physician before adopting any type of exercise program, but exercise has many advantages to offer. It builds muscle, making you more stable and balanced; it encourages good cardiovascular health; and it combats emotional distress and improves mental health. If it’s taking a walk down the street or spending more time gardening, carve out some time to be more active.
Resolution #4 – Write down your wishes
If you haven’t already filled out an advance directive, make it a point to do it this year. It’s important to talk to your loved ones about your end-of-life care wishes. Having the conversation with them now before a health crisis occurs will alleviate unnecessary stress and anxiety for your family members in the future.
