New Year’s resolutions for the best, rest of your life
“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” – James Sherman, author
The time between Christmas and New Years is a good time to think about what you want to do and where you want to be in 2018. It’s never too late to try something new. Ageist attitudes in our society often tell us the opposite. In fact, older adults often have the time to pursue new interests that they put on the back burner while raising a family. Do you want to start a health or exercise habit? Do you want to start a new hobby? How about learning to play an instrument?
We’ve compiled a list of 10 New Year’s resolutions, in no particular order, to get you thinking about personal improvements you would like to make. And we’ve included links to articles on the United website to help further your research:
- Eat healthy
“Dietitians don’t talk about calories very much any longer, unless there is a concern with weight. Instead, we want to ensure the calories you do get come from quality sources,” said Marie-Anne Nason, United’s nutritionist, in an article we published in April. You can read more from Marie-Anne here.
Of course, getting proper nutrition means preparing quality meals. Meals are based on feedback from residents. When they move in, food interests and issues are discussed with staff and noted in a database. When a resident comes in to eat, the kitchen staff knows what the person prefers and what ingredients to avoid.
You can watch our video on nutrition here.
2. Keep your brain active
We’ve written extensively on brain health and ensuring the mind stays active as an important component of active aging. Read more at these links:
The value of lifelong learning
And you can watch our video on brain health here.
3. Exercise regularly
If you’re new to exercise, start slowly and build your way into a regular routine. You can read more about the importance of regular exercise in this blog article.
4. Get involved
Isolation can seriously affect an older adult’s health. So get involved in community activities to make new friends and stay active. At United, there is a large variety of activities and ways to develop a community of friends.
Here is a link to our activities brochures so you can see the variety of activities available. Here is an article on the importance of community, and a video we produced on the value of community.
As well, United has signed partnership agreements with music and cultural organizations in the city. You can read more about that here.
5. Challenge yourself
Expect more from yourself. Age is no limit. Make the rest of your life the best of your life by doing something you have always wanted to do. Here are articles about a couple of very inspirational people at United.
The Doolittles: a passion for music and theatre
6. Planning for the future
Moving into a new year often means looking ahead and perhaps preparing to transition from your family home to an older adult community. Finances come into play, as does the psychology of moving. We’ve written extensively about this phase of an older adult’s life. You can read more in the links below:
All about United’s unique Life Lease
Top 5 questions to ask yourself when searching for an older adult community
7. Make a new friend
Having someone to share your thoughts with is important for anyone, but especially so for older adults who can often find themselves isolated when friends and family move out of the community. At United, you are surrounded by potential new friends. Read more about community involvement here. And for those with memory issues, United ensures they are included in every activity.
8. Start a journal
One way to keep the mind active and the memories of a lifetime present is by starting a journal. United’s Writers-in-Residence program partners with students from Mount Royal University. You can watch a video about that here. As well, residents can learn more about writing at poetry and writing clubs and through a journaling program.
9. Discover a new hobby
Have you ever wanted to learn piano, or create a pot from a handful of clay? United has full art studios, staffed by professional artists to help get you started. Here are links to help you learn more.
10. Decide what’s best for you
Most importantly decide what is in your best interest. Read, research and talk with your friends. Tour a few older adult communities to understand whether a move makes sense at this stage in your life. You can arrange a tour at United’s communities by clicking on the contact link below. And don’t hesitate to call and ask questions. You deserve the very best in your later years. We talk about that in this article.
Do you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community? Send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a tour. We are happy to help!
