Simple Changes Seniors Can Make Now for a Healthy New Year

Article contributed by Jason Lewis, Image via Pexels

Take control of your overall wellness by making small but effective changes to your life. Aging doesn’t mean you can’t try a new hobby or fitness routine to improve your physical and mental well-being. You may even consider starting your own business. The following ideas presented by Rebuilding You can improve your life this year and well into the future.

Volunteer

Giving back to your community in Canada is a great way to feel good about yourself, and it’s also an excellent way to reduce loneliness and learn new skills. Volunteering doesn’t have to involve going into a soup kitchen, although that’s a great option. You can help at a local school, hospital, or nonprofit organization, such as your seniors’ community, charities that feed the homeless, take care of animals, or advocate for mental health awareness.

Simple leg raises
Senior Woman Doing Yoga, Meditating In Lotus Position On Bed At Home

Take a Fitness Class

Staying fit is essential at any age, but being active is vital for seniors. Whether you choose a class at the gym, yoga, or free YouTube videos, many options are available to help you get in shape without spending too much time or money. Tailor whatever you do to your own comfort level – beds and chairs make a good base for yoga and stretching.

Find a New Hobby

Boosting brain power helps reduce stress and increases cognitive function – which can decline as you age. If you’re in a rut or want a new challenge, try a new hobby, such as painting, cooking, or singing. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn chess, fishing, or martial arts. Choose a hobby you enjoy, so think about what makes you happy. Can’t imagine what that would be? Think back to what you loved to do when you were ten years old and try it again!

Eat Nutritious Meals

You can achieve a better diet by choosing simple, nutritious foods with plenty of vitamins, minerals, protein, fibre, and healthy fat. Foods high in vitamin C can improve brain health, while omega-3 fatty acids keep your heart healthy and magnesium will help ‘restless legs’. Very important, especially now, is to maintain a healthy level of vitamin D3, vitamin C and zinc.

To get more beneficial nutrients into your diet, eat fresh fruits and vegetables as well as foods packed with protein and healthy fats. Not only are you likely to feel healthier, but you also save money as you ditch junk food.

Start a New Business

Retirement doesn’t mean you can’t work. For many, it’s a time in life when they don’t have to get up and go to a job daily. Starting your own business is an excellent way to maintain your physical and mental health while enjoying senior living. To reduce your workload, consider working with a staffing agency to connect with top talent that can help you start your new venture off right.

Spend Time With Friends and Family

Spending time with loved ones can make seniors feel happier and more fulfilled, which translates into improved mental health. Hang out with friends and family in person to cut down on the time you spend on your devices and reduce the possibility of depression. If time constraints, health concerns, or distance make face-to-face social connections difficult or impossible, new technology, such as video chat and social media, makes it easier than ever to keep in touch with friends and family.

Make Positive Changes for a Happier, Healthier You

Your golden years can be an exciting time. Stay healthy with hobbies, regular fitness, good nutrition, a possible business startup, and spending time with loved ones. There has never been a more important time to take good care of yourself and maintain your health. For help to find more happiness or for a one-on-one session to get you started, contact Rebuilding You – I am a registered counsellor in Canada and would be honoured to guide you to your new path!