With the new year comes the time to set a new resolution; it’s a time for reflection and the chance to see where improvements can be made to enhance physical and emotional well-being. Elderly people may find that setting resolutions offers a renewed sense of purpose, giving them something to strive for, focus on, and stay optimistic about. There are several other benefits that elderly individuals can receive when setting resolutions. In this blog, we explored some examples of these advantages and highlighted a few ideas for resolutions that seniors may wish to use.
Why Resolutions Matter
When setting New Years resolutions, remember that it’s not just about making a simple change, it’s about creating a better future and actively taking the steps required to accomplish it. Resolutions are beneficial and meaningful for elderly people for several different reasons;
It Renews a Sense of Purpose. Elderly people may find that their health and mobility or changing lifestyle has impacted a purpose they had earlier in their lives, and this can cause them to lose motivation and self-confidence. Setting goals offers a new purpose and gives elderly individuals something to focus on and work towards, returning a sense of responsibility and routine.
Resolutions Encourage Physical and Mental Activity. Working towards a resolution will typically require some sort of mental or physical activity, whether exercising or learning a new skill. Mental activity is important for keeping the mind sharp and enhancing cognitive function, while physical activity can help to keep the body in good shape and health.
Encouraging Emotional Well-being. When goals are achieved, it creates a feeling of accomplishment, filling a person with joy and confidence. Feeling good in yourself and about yourself and enjoying a burst of optimism is important, especially for elderly people who may be experiencing a period of stagnation, anxiety, loneliness, or depression.
Creating and Strengthening Social Connections. Loneliness and isolation are common for elderly people who may not be able to leave the house to see friends and family as often as they would like, which can negatively impact mental well-being. A New Years resolution that focuses on making new, or maintaining existing social connections can encourage elderly people to find the time and means to accomplish their goals.
Meaningful and Practical Resolutions
Resolutions don’t need to be grand to be meaningful; the simplest goals can make a big difference in someone’s life. Below, we have suggested some ideas of resolutions that elderly people may have an interest in.
Prioritise Health: Elderly people can look to make changes that will positively impact their physical health, such as introducing a balanced and nutritious diet and gentle exercise into routines.
Maintaining Social Relationships and Engagements: Seniors can make resolutions that encourage them to stay socially connected, whether it’s joining a club, attending community events, or just calling a loved one every week.
Voluntary Work: Voluntary work can be a great way for elderly people to reignite a sense of purpose and fulfilment while embracing community spirit, meeting new people, and learning new things.
Decluttering: Decluttering the house helps the area become tidier, safer, and more accessible; it’s also a therapeutic activity and a chance to reminisce. If decluttering is a big job that elderly people may struggle to do alone, family members or a carer could assist.
Enlisting the Help of Home Care Services
For seniors living alone, it may be difficult to decide on a New Year’s resolution, due to health and mobility; however, a homecare provider could give extra support to help elderly people set resolutions and see them through. Carers can provide physical support as well as emotional support, giving their elderly clients the motivation and encouragement they need to focus on the target and accomplish their goals.
Embracing the Journey
The important thing to remember when setting resolutions is to not just think about the end goal; the journey they go on to achieve their resolution is something to celebrate and enjoy. Remember to take the time to celebrate the small milestones, as it can offer motivation to continue working towards the end goal. It’s also crucial to recognise that sometimes there will be obstacles and challenges, but being able to overcome them is another way to build confidence and make the journey worthwhile.
Arrange Elderly Care in Hale
If you think your elderly loved one could benefit from elderly care at home, contact Beloved Homecare today.
We have a fantastic team of carers dedicated to providing the highest standard of care. They are experienced and knowledgeable, taking the time to learn about their clients to ensure the care is suitable and accounts for individual needs and preferences.
Our elderly care in Hale includes various services – dementia care, domestic care, personal care, 24-hour care, and end-of-life care. Please visit our website to learn more about the services or to contact our team.