As we settle into the new year, it’s a great time to reflect on the resolutions we made last month. Whether you’re aiming to improve your health, spend more time with loved ones, or pick up a new hobby, it’s important to check in on your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Here’s a look at the top five most common New Year’s resolutions and some tips on how to stick with them or modify them to make them more achievable.

Top 5 Most Common New Year’s Resolutions

According to a survey from Statista, these are some of the most common New Year’s Resolutions that people choose:

1. Save More Money – 21% of Americans aim to save more money in the new year.
2. Eat Healthier – 19% of people resolve to eat healthier.
3. Exercise More – 17% of individuals plan to exercise more.
4. Lose Weight – 15% of Americans set a goal to lose weight.
5. Spend More Time with Family and Friends – 14% of people want to spend more time with their loved ones.

The Reality of Keeping Resolutions

It’s no secret that many New Year’s resolutions fall by the wayside. Research shows that nearly a quarter of resolution-makers drop out within the first week of January, and a significant number will have given up by mid-January.

A recent poll found that most resolutions only last for about four months. This can be discouraging, but it’s important to remember that it’s never too late to get back on track or make adjustments to your goals.

Tips for Sticking with Your Resolutions

1. Break It Down: Instead of aiming for a large, daunting goal, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if your goal is to exercise more, start with a 10-minute walk each day and gradually increase the time.
2. Be Specific: Vague resolutions are harder to keep. Instead of saying “I want to eat healthier,” specify that you’ll eat a serving of vegetables with every meal.
3. Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or use an app to track your progress. Seeing your achievements, no matter how small, can be incredibly motivating.
4. Seek Support: Share your goals with friends or family members who can offer encouragement and hold you accountable.
5. Be Kind to Yourself: It’s okay to slip up. What’s important is that you get back on track and keep moving forward.

Importance of Holistic Health and Wellness for Older Adults

Maintaining your resolutions is not just about achieving specific goals; it’s about fostering a holistic approach to health and wellness. Holistic health considers the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and emphasizes the interconnectedness of these elements. For seniors and baby boomers, this approach can lead to a more vibrant and fulfilling life.

“The decisions you make today will affect how you feel in the future. In fact, lifestyle choices are a major predictor of how long you will live. One study, for example, found that the absence of major lifestyle risk factors could prolong men’s lives by 12 years and women’s lives by 14 years.”

How Friends Life Care Can Help

Friends Life Care, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people with vibrant aging, understands the importance of holistic health for seniors. Part of this is Friends Life Care’s philosophy about health and wellness — VigR® Vitality, Independence, Growth, Resilience™.  VigR offers access to educational and informational content and programming that is relevant to aging adults.

By encouraging members to continue their resolutions or modify them to be more achievable, the care coordination team at Friends Life Care can help members promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle. This approach not only helps in achieving specific goals but also seeks to enhance overall well-being, reduce stressors, and improve quality of life.

Remember, it’s never too late to make positive changes. Whether you’re sticking to your original resolutions or making adjustments, every step you take towards a healthier, happier you is a step worth celebrating.

 

 

The eMeetinghouse blog from Friends Life Care features topics of interest to seniors and Baby Boomers. For 40 years, Friends Life Care has been helping older adults who are members to successfully age in place.  If you are not yet a member, contact us today to learn about the benefits of joining.  

Membership is open to people aged 40 – 85, in reasonably good health who are residents of southeastern Pennsylvania or Delaware.