Kick the New Year off right with resolutions you can keep (beyond February!)
Resolutions can be more than just losing weight or stopping eating or drinking this or that. They can be commitments to improve your mental and social wellness – all part of healthy living.
Not sure where to start the year off right? Here are some tips from Healthy Aging® gathered over the past year to launch you into a happy, healthy New Year.
1. Exercise is the Best Medicine for Mental Health
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Adults aged 65 and older need:
- At least 150 minutes a week (for example, 30 minutes a day, five days a week) of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking. Or they need 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity such as hiking, jogging, or running.
- At least two days a week of activities that strengthen muscles.
- Activities to improve balance, such as standing on one foot about three times a week.
2. Commit to Optimism
Make a vow to be more optimistic. Looking at the glass half full rather than half empty takes on new importance in living longer. Optimism might be a key to healthier aging.
3. Quit Buying into The Myth of “Retirement”
Don’t think of retirement as a financial or leisure plan, but a new life of recreation, in the true sense of the word, where you get to create a life you desire, not one where you are condemned to live as others expect.
You can have all the money and freedom in the world, but you won’t be happy if you don’t have purpose.
Never too late to learn to play a musical instrument. Photo: Deposit Photos
4. Learn to play music…It’s good for the body and soul
Check out our articles: Why Learning to Play Music is Good for The Body and Soul and 6 Unexpected Health Benefits of Playing a Classical Instrument
Learning how to play an instrument later in life can not only be fun but can have positive physical and mental effects. It’s never too late to try one!
5. Consider adding push-ups to your exercise routine. They might help you age better.
How Push-ups can help you age better
How many?
- Men (50-59): Between 10 and 12 pushups
- Men (60+): Between 8 and 10 pushups
- Women (50-59): Between 7 and 10 pushups
- Women (60+): Between 5 and 11 pushups
6. Make a plan to save money
Need ideas? See our article: 10 Tips for Saving Money After Retirement
Tips:
- Cut Down On What You Don’t Need
- Check your Lifestyle and Spending
- Investigate Debt Reduction Options
7. Plan healthier menus. Add Mediterranean diet recipes
Need ideas? Check out these books and see a selection of recipes in our article: More Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet
Cookbook author Kelly Jaggers has the solution for you in her latest cookbook, The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet – Cooking for One Cookbook.
Choose from 500 recipes in The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook, a well-researched, beautifully photographed cookbook published by America’s Test Kitchen.
The Mediterranean Instant Pot cookbook is a perfect companion for the small appliance that saves hours of cook time while delivering healthy meals.
More Mediterranean is America’s Test Kitchen’s follow-up to The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook. Choose from 225 healthy and nutritious recipes.
8. Travel the world, but as a volunteer!
Retire? But to what? Some people don’t play golf, crochet, play bridge, or enjoy other such interests but love to travel. Why not give of yourself and try volunteer travel?
Be inspired by Lynn Lotkowictz, My retirement plan with new and authentic experiences
9. Lie About Your Age
Need reasons? To Tell or Not to Tell – Who Says I Have to Say My Age?
10. Be Happy!
Even more important than any of your resolutions is a commitment to be happy!
