January 19, 2023

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With the start of the New Year, many seniors are looking for ways to live healthier lives. With a lot of options for managing your health, it can be hard to know what types of goals to prioritize. Here are three very attainable goals that you can start on right now that will help you or a loved one have a healthier, happier year.

Schedule a Physical with your Doctor

Regardless of your health situation, having an annual physical is a very important part of your ongoing care. A physical is a chance for you to interact with your primary care physician about anything and everything related to your overall health and wellness. At your visit, you’ll want to update your doctor on any new or ongoing health concerns. Make sure to speak with your doctor about any mental health concerns as well as this is a very important part of your overall well being. These visits with your doctor are also an easy way to stay up to date on current medications and vaccinations. Even if you do not feel that your health situation has changed over the last year, it is very important to receive regular checkups from your doctor. 

Create a weekly exercise routine

Committing to an exercise plan is one of the most common yearly resolutions, and also one of the most quickly abandoned! This is often because these newly selected routines are too intensive or too difficult to keep up with. However, setting a reasonable exercise plan that consists of both traditional exercises and physical activities that you enjoy is a great way to improve your overall health. Your healthcare provider can help recommend the best activities and exercises based on age, medical conditions, and health goals. Keeping the body active has numerous benefits for your brain as well. Countless studies have shown that even light physical activity has a strong positive effect on mental health. This is particularly true for activities that are done outside. A walk in the sunshine goes a long way for your mind and body!

Check out our blog post on some other great low-impact exercises for seniors for additional ideas!

Find a new way of supporting your mental health

In the maintenance of physical health, it can sadly be easy to overlook new and ongoing mental health concerns for seniors. While depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are not considered a part of aging, these concerns are very real for many seniors. Practicing some very basic good mental self care techniques can go a long way in supporting the brain. Here are three simple ideas that you can start today. 

1. Mindfulness: Also known as meditation, mindfulness is the practice of allowing oneself to be fully present in the moment and analyze one’s own feelings without judgment. Practicing mindfulness has shown to have a major impact on depression and anxiety, and it takes only a few minutes per day and no physical movement whatsoever. 
2. Yoga: Yoga and other balance focused stretching routines are a double bonus because they are great for your physical and mental health. These exercises focus heavily on breathing, balance, and control, all of which positively stimulate your brain and help calm the mind. There are numerous yoga exercise plans available for seniors, and even free videos and classes that you can access on YouTube. 
3. Reading: As simple as it sounds, the benefits of reading continue to stand the test of time. A particularly enjoyable book allows our brain to focus fully on something it enjoys. Stories stimulate our brains and improve focus. It’s important to remember that any type of reading or story engagement is good – this can be anything from an actual book, to an e-reader, to an audio book, to even a picture book. 

Your Health at Provision Living

Seniors at Provision Living enjoy a comprehensive, customized health care plan that meets their unique needs. Learn more about how our residents are able to live better and thrive in our communities by requesting information online. 

This article is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Speak to your doctor about any health concerns that you have. If you believe you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. 

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