As we celebrate the end of one year and the promise of the next, many of us mark the transition with the tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions. For many of us, those resolutions don’t always “stick,” but they’re still worth making.
Psychologists say that making plans for the future – including resolutions – demonstrates optimism and a focus on the future, which is particularly important for seniors. And optimism is a sign of good mental health, which is a key factor in physical health as well. In fact, a Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study of 14,000 adults over age 50 found that the people who had the highest satisfaction with aging had a 43% lower risk of dying from any cause over a four-year period compared with those who were the least satisfied.
When health or mobility changes make it necessary for seniors to move to an independent or assisted living facility, it’s important to find a place that contributes to that positive outlook. Crimson Village in Tuscaloosa offers year-round activities that support a healthy, positive lifestyle, including their annual on-site New Year’s Eve party to ring in the new year.
The programs available at Crimson Village are well aligned with some of top resolutions for seniors in 2024:
Resolve to get more exercise
Maintaining an active lifestyle is important for seniors to support mobility and independence, as well as mental wellness. Depending on capabilities, some great options include gentle walks, chair exercises, swimming and water aerobics, yoga, and even tai chi. It’s also important to set realistic goals, such as taking part in a weekly exercise class or tracking the number of steps daily, to make resolutions more achievable and enjoyable.
Regular exercise is key to maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and joint flexibility, reducing the risk of falls and fractures. Group fitness classes provide motivation, accountability, and social interaction, along with professional guidance from Crimson Village’s onsite activities director.
Resolve to eat better
One of the key advantages to living at Crimson Village is the opportunity to enjoy nutritionist-planned, chef-prepared meals. Daily menus are specifically designed to provide the right balance of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Residents are always welcome to supplement or replace these meals with additional snacks or meals provided by family or friends, but the planned diet can help prevent – or manage – chronic conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and more.
Resolve to cultivate friendships and increase social interactions
Loneliness in seniors is a prevalent issue. Independent and assisted living facilities like Crimson Village provide a kind of “instant community” of residents and caregivers to help mitigate that loneliness and reduce the risk of depression and cognitive decline that often accompany it.
Sharing meals in the dining room, participating in group outings, joining book clubs or exercise classes—these are all great ways to build social connections at Crimson Village. Staying connected to family and friends through routine visits, video calls, or social media can also help make days feel more fulfilling and happier.
Resolve to share and preserve your life story
Helping to preserve a loved one’s life story can check a number of boxes as a useful New Year’s resolution. It’s a wonderful way to exercise the brain with a walk down memory lane, an opportunity for extended social interaction, and a priceless legacy for the family. Whether you opt for a physical scrapbook, a digital story writing exercise, or a video, preserving family stories help bring that history to life and create memories for younger family members and generations that follow.
Resolving to make the golden years as bright as possible
If your loved one reaches a point where living independently becomes challenging or impossible, it’s important to find a community that will help them develop and retain a positive outlook on life and an optimistic eye toward the future. Make it your New Year’s resolution to check out the facilities at Crimson Village for a smooth transition to possible future living arrangements, including temporary respite care, assisted living and memory care. You can learn more about available amenities, floor plans and medical support by clicking here or contacting our team members by email at marketing@crimsonvillage.com or by phone at 205-632-6699 to discuss your specific needs.