Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you should stop setting goals. In fact, some of the happiest, most gratifying moments in life often take place during your golden years. Why not live them to the fullest?
For those who think setting and achieving New Year’s resolutions is unrealistic, our senior living community in Greensboro, North Carolina, is here to tell you that this way of thinking should be left in the past. No matter your age, it’s possible to set a goal and achieve it.
WhiteStone has been helping aging adults live well for more than 100 years. Let us guide you into a healthy new year as we share the benefits of setting goals and realistic resolutions for seniors.
Why setting goals is important for seniors
Post-retirement, many seniors feel like they’ve lost their sense of purpose. While this new way of living can seem overwhelming, it can also be the most opportune time to set goals like focusing more on your health and spending quality time with friends and family members.
Goals look different for everyone, but one thing is for certain: Setting goals will provide you with that sense of purpose you may have been missing, and in turn can help slow the aging process.
Goal setting even benefits mental health. Rush University has conducted studies that show people who view life with a sense of purpose are two to four times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s, and that self-disciplined, highly organized people are less susceptible to Alzheimer’s as well.
Looking forward to accomplishing goals can make a big difference in your general outlook on life. It’s a way to enter the new year with an upbeat and positive attitude and feel confident as you age.
Five New Year’s resolutions for older adults
You may already have an idea of what you’d like to set out to achieve, or you may not know where to begin. Check out our list to help you get started and stay on the path to success.
- Eat healthier.
Immediately after the holidays, it’s practically necessary to begin eating healthy foods again. Start slowly by implementing healthy fats back into your diet, like fish, nuts, and avocados. Snack on fruits and vegetables instead of salty or sugary treats, and always maintain properly sized portions. Consuming a more balanced diet can aid in weight loss and the prevention of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. At WhiteStone, our selection of healthy dining choices makes it easy to stay on track.
- Learn a new skill.
What hands-on activity have you always wanted to try but just never had the time to get around to? Engaging in new skills and hobbies promotes positive mental health and can even help you make new friends who share your same interests. Residents in our independent living community have access to amenities like a woodworking shop, art studio, billiards/game room, and community garden to help them discover a new passion or reignite an old one.
- Get moving.
Physical activity is incredibly important for aging adults. It doesn’t have to be extreme – you can start as simple as ten minutes of walking each day. Physical activity aids in mobility, decreases inflammation, and increases energy levels. At WhiteStone, our indoor swimming pool and fitness center offer residents different ways to stay active that they may never have tried before.
- Prioritize your health.
Aging looks different for everyone. Whether you or a loved one needs assisted living, memory care, or other health services, it’s important to find the right support. Putting your health first can make accomplishing other goals easier.
- Consider downsizing.
Are the stresses that come with home ownership starting to bog you down? Take the next steps to downsize into a senior living community, where every responsibility is taken care of for you and life becomes worry-free.
Achieve your goals for healthy living at WhiteStone.
WhiteStone is area seniors’ first choice for independent living in Greensboro, NC. Learn more about our community, which offers a full continuum of care, a variety of wellness activities, and services and amenities that exceed every expectation.