2021 is here, which means it’s the perfect opportunity for a fresh start and more focus on bettering overall health, both physically and mentally. It’s easy to let a resolution get brushed under the rug, but with a few helpful tips, they can be prioritized to help our aging loved ones thrive this year. Of course, COVID-19 considerations will continue into 2021, so we’ve made sure to compile resolutions that can be undertaken safely.
Table of Contents
Keep In Touch With Family And Friends
It may seem like an obvious choice, but given the current situation, making sure to stay in touch with family and friends will remain important this year.
● As we all continue to stay quarantined during the pandemic, it does not mean they need to be isolated from family and friends. It is important for everyone, especially the senior population to keep in close contact with loved ones and mitigate any feelings of loneliness.
● There are many online options available for staying in touch with family and friends including Facebook Messenger, Skype, and FaceTime. Taking the time to learn more about the available technologies is a great goal for the new year.
● Of course if your aging loved ones are a little less tech savvy, phone calls work just as well. No matter the option, it is highly beneficial to maintain regular contact with their loved ones.
Keep A Healthy Routine
As the pandemic causes people to be less active as they shelter in place, engaging in physical activity and staying healthy becomes more important.
● Some types of indoor activities that seniors can easily engage in include lifting hand weights, yoga or resistance band workouts.
● When the weather is nicer, engage in physical activities outdoors like walking or Tai Chi.
● Maintaining a healthy diet is also a great way to start the year off on the right foot. Look to include more foods like lean meats, eggs, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy, high fiber foods like citrus fruits and berries, Vitamin D foods like fish, and try to avoid foods that are high in sodium or sugar.
Keep A Sharp Mind And Pick Up A New Hobby
While sheltering in place, it is just as important to keep your minds in shape as well as your body. There are many great activities to help seniors accomplish this.
- Arts and crafts: Any type of arts and crafts projects including knitting, scrapbooking, drawing and painting will keep seniors’ minds active and allow them to express their creativity.
- Word and number puzzles: Crossword puzzles and Sudoku are great for challenging the minds of seniors. These puzzles involve recognizing patterns and problem solving.
- Reading: Reading is a great activity that can get the mind and imagination working and improve memory and vocabulary skills. Seniors can help keep their minds sharp by reading their favourite books, magazines, or newspapers.
2021 Here We Come
On top of these possible New Year’s Resolutions, it will be important to maintain good COVID-19 safety precautions, such as wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing hands frequently. Visit Seasons Retirement Communities to learn more about how we’re helping seniors manage the pandemic and continue to handle the new year safely and happily.
