It’s that time of year again—wrapping up and reflecting on this past year while looking ahead to the next.
The end of the year is also when we evaluate our goals for the upcoming year, whether financial, relationships, or health. While New Year’s resolutions are notorious for being hard to accomplish, they inspire positive change, and there’s something to be said about that—even if you don’t make it the full 12 months.
Stay motivated and prioritize your health in 2023 by setting healthy New Year’s resolutions that you can work toward. And regardless of age, the following goals will improve the health and lifestyle of anyone in the New Year.
Stay well-rested.
According to the National Institute on Aging, seniors should aim to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Getting enough sleep helps restore energy levels and heals physical and cognitive damage. Develop a bedtime routine that will help you ease into a good night’s sleep, like reading a book or listening to calming music.
Get your steps in.
Physical activity keeps our muscles strong and reduces stress and anxiety. Find new ways to exercise in the new year, such as water aerobics, yoga, light weights, or walking. Set a goal to move for at least 10 minutes each day to improve cardiovascular health.
Eat those greens.
Leafy green vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet. From spinach to broccoli to salad greens, eating more greens supports brain health, bone health, and the immune system, and also reduces the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Stay hydrated.
Dehydration can cause several issues, including muscle pain, fatigue, and heat exhaustion. As we age, water intake should increase to compensate for changes in body temperature regulation. According to the National Council on Aging, everyone should drink one-third of their body weight in fluid ounces per day.
Exercise your mind.
Find ways to stimulate and challenge your mind daily. Try out your skills at the daily crossword or work on a jigsaw puzzle or invite a friend over to play cards. Logic games can improve processing speed and memory.
Be social.
Stay in touch with old friends in 2023, whether in person, over the phone, or via a handwritten letter. Another way to stay social is by getting out and about and meeting new people. Join a club, go dancing or visit the library and you’re bound to meet people with similar interests.
Remember to set realistic goals for yourself and set yourself up for success by choosing one resolution to start with. Once you’ve successfully incorporated one healthy change in your life, try to add another. Sticking to resolutions can be tricky, so starting small will help avoid disappointment.
Here’s to a healthy and happy 2023!