10 Exciting New Year's Resolutions For Seniors

It is never too late in life to make a resolution! And it certainly doesn't have to be only done at New Year's.  Resolve to make some of the following changes this year for a better you!

1. Visit your local senior center. If you haven't checked out your local senior center, there is no time like the present!  Senior centers are alive with special interest clubs, games, sports, crafts, classes, lending libraries, hot lunches, volunteer projects, and the list goes on!  I think that you will find that the seniors that are involved are lively, friendly, and fun.
2. Learn to use the Internet. It is never too late to learn computer skills. You can keep in touch with relatives and friends through email and social networks. Want to look up a recipe?  Try the Internet. Have a craving for an old candy that you can't find in stores?  The Internet can help. Many local junior colleges, senior centers or senior communities offer free classes. 
3. Plan nourishing meals.  Resolve to eat at least one nourishing meal daily. Eating at least one filling and well balanced meal a day can improve your health and well being.  A fun way to do this is to find an eating buddy or an eating club!  It is always more fun to eat with someone else.  It may take a bit of extra planning and grocery shopping, but the energy this change will give you will make drastic improvements in your quality of life.  You can always take some help with meal planning too.
4. Visit the doctor. Have you been putting off your physical?  Perhaps your doctor retired and you haven't bothered finding a new one.  It is time to make and keep your appointment. Regular visits with a doctor are important.   
5. Consider some extra help.  An in home caregiver can help with grocery shopping, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, transportation to doctor visits, companionship and much more. Consider taking a little bit of help now to keep you safe and healthy and help you age in place.
6. Expand your social circle. Make new friends! Try out a new group at church.  Join the choir or bell choir. Take a class to learn a new language, start a bridge club or a book club.  Seniors who are connected to their community age better without question.
7. Schedule regular exercise. Exercise is the key to aging well. Walking is the best place to start.  Plan regular walks - make and keep an appointment with yourself. Many communities have special classes geared towards seniors. You can also exercise in the privacy of your own home with simple stretches and light weights - or maybe try a senior exercise video.
8. Clean house.  This is an ideal time in your life to take inventory of what you have and purge unwanted and unused items.  Downsize now before it becomes overwhelming to do. Take it one step at a time, no need to become bogged down.  If you feel your collections are out of control, read these tips about how to overcome hoarding.
9. Laugh. Hahahahaha! You know the saying "laughter is the best medicine"?  Well research says that it just may be. Laughter improves physical, emotional, and mental well being.  Rent a funny movie, watch it with friends, let the laughter flow.
10. Make your home safe. It may be time to consider some home improvements to make your house suitable to age in place.  We have lots of tips for ageless design and simple things you can change room by room for a safe home for years to come.

What was your resolution this year?  Leave a comment, we'd love to hear what you have resolved for 2012.