As a new year starts in a few months, it’s time to reflect on the past and look forward. Unfortunately, such introspection often culminates in lofty, doomed-to-fail new year’s goals. Goals are usually focused on changing bad habits or eliminating something harmful. Instead of focusing on what you should ditch, shift your attention to what you might include in your routine to improve your health. Even if you or your loved one needs help from someone like an in-home care provider, it is crucial to start setting goals.
No matter how old someone gets, they should always strive for something. This is why a senior must focus on goals; it will give them something to work for and to look forward to. In-home care is something that all seniors can have, especially if your mom or dad wants to age in place but still work on goals.
Whether or not an in-home care aide is involved, here are a few goals they can strive for.
Be Body Positive Even as a Senior
Consider the impact of your self-talk. Reframing your ideas and language may modify your incentive for making healthy choices. That’s why it’s essential to start the new year out with a more body-positive mindset. Try rephrasing, “I’m going for a stroll because it makes me feel wonderful,” instead of “I’m going for a walk to burn off last night’s food.”
Try Cooking More Homemade Meals with In-Home Care Assistance
Sometimes seniors become out of habit with cooking because it is too hard for them. This causes them to eat take-out more or a ton of packaged foods. In-home care aides may help them cook more homemade meals. If your senior isn’t a fan of shopping anymore, they may find companies that can help deliver them groceries.
Always Buy Fresh Produce When You Can
A common goal for the new year is to reduce one’s intake of sugar and salt. It’s a good idea to concentrate on adding healthy meals to your diet before you worry about eliminating unhealthy ones. Fresh fruit and vegetables are an excellent way to increase your vitamin intake and strengthen your immune system. You may get more vegetables in your diet by slicing bananas and eating them with breakfast cereal, making a salad to accompany lunch, and mixing tomatoes and peas into your supper spaghetti. The cumulative effect of these seemingly little alterations is substantial.
Focus on Drinking More Water as a Senior
You probably know that being well hydrated is essential, yet it may be challenging to consume enough water. Add 16 ounces to your current water intake since this is the quantity contained in a normal water bottle. A good practice is having a large glass of water first thing in the morning and another just before supper. In place of one daily serving of juice, soda, or sweet tea, try substituting plain water. Reduce your water intake before bed to cut down on nighttime bathroom trips.
Create an Exercise Routine
Regular exercise is a must for overall health. The American Heart Association suggests that adults engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. There is plenty that you can do, even if you are an older adult. Although you should see your doctor before beginning any new workout program, you might give the following a try until you discover what works best for you. Walking, yoga, and water aerobics are great exercises for seniors to add to a routine.
