Older adults can make 2022 even better by following – and perhaps even falling in love with – some of the biggest wellness trends this year.

And one of the best things about wellness is you can focus on one, several or all areas of it.

Wellness covers a lot of ground – physical, social, intellectual, financial, spiritual, emotional and occupational. Some areas might be more important than others to you now, as the pandemic still lingers on. And other areas might be more important as the year – or years – goes by.

What’s important, is to focus on wellness trends that will make the biggest impact on your life as you age in place.

Here are 10 of the biggest wellness trends this year and how you might practice them.

Virtual fitness gets bigger

Thanks to COVID-19, many people moved their exercise regimens home. So online and virtual fitness instruction erupted. That’ll continue, as people realized they like working out at home or they feel safer avoiding larger groups of people. The key is to do any exercise in moderation – not extremely difficult or easy, according to research from Wake Forest School of Medicine.

You might sign up for classes at your YMCA, Jewish Community Center or local gym. Or you can do an online search for fitness classes that interest you – perhaps yoga, walking, aerobic or indoor cycling. You’ll find many recorded, free and available to do at your convenience.

Voice technology increases

Voice technology will continue to grow and make independence even easier. With “smart aging,” older adults can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help with everyday activities. Simply put, you’ll have more capabilities with tools you might already use, such as Amazon Alexa and Apple’s Siri.

With those tools, you can set up reminders to stretch or walk around. You can create healthy grocery lists or ask for tips and recipes for heart healthy meals. Plus, Amazon recently launched Alexa Together, which can connect you directly to a loved one or care provider without hitting any buttons.

Eating better gets easier

Healthy eating is almost always a trend at the beginning of the year when many people make resolutions to lose weight and get in shape. But eating better will likely be even easier throughout the year.

More restaurants have added healthy alternatives to their menus – and deliver or offer curbside pickup for convenience. At most grab-and-go kiosks, fruits, vegetables and lean protein options sit beside the traditional, not-so-healthy premade foods. Just start choosing the healthy alternatives at least some of the time.

Immune health gains popularity

The past two years of pandemic living has put our immune systems top of mind. That’ll likely stay the same in 2022. Beyond vaccinations and boosters, people can help fight other viruses with stronger immune systems.

Focus on eating more superfoods – such as berries, fish, leafy greens and nuts – and managing your overall health in partnership with your healthcare provider.

Mindfulness becomes the norm

Mindfulness has gained popularity in the past five years – and that won’t slow in 2022.

With mindfulness – the practice of focusing on and being fully aware of the present moment and nothing else – you can relax, reduce anxiety and gain positive mental and physical health effects. You can pick up quick tips on practicing mindfulness here.

Stress takes a backseat

After two anxiety-laden years, the hope is stress will take a backseat to a more manageable way of life. The pandemic lockdowns and restrictions also gave many people a new perspective on life, focusing more on the things they enjoy and moving away from the things that stress them.

Some ways to decrease daily stress: Take 10 deep breaths when something starts to stress you to get calm before dealing with the challenge. Try a daily meditation, using an app on your phone or tablet. Some are as short as five minutes and can cut stress for the day.

Sleep cures much

Sleep will become a priority, not a fleeting reality for people who thrive on busyness and being attached to their devices all the time.

That will make sleep health essential. And you’ll want to take steps to make sure you get enough – from disconnecting from screens an hour before bed to setting a regular sleep schedule.

Mental health stigma disappears

If one good thing came out of COVID-19, it could be this: People talk about and seek help for mental health more freely. Because nearly everyone has mentally struggled with the pandemic and all of its challenges, mental health issues are more common.

So people have dropped the negative stigma of mental health. Going forward, it should be easier to address mental health concerns and connect with others facing similar situations.

Outdoor activities gain ground

Another reaction to COVID-19 that will have a lingering, positive effect on 2022 wellness trends: More people will continue to pursue outdoor activities. And as you exercise, relax and socialize in the great outdoors, you’ll gain physical and mental benefits.

So continue to head to the park for walks, fishing, outdoor concerts, picnics, etc. to stay well this year.

Less becomes best

People will likely spend more time with loved ones and doing the things they love than accumulating more stuff. As supply chains continue to slow, and people make their physical and mental well-being top priority, they will buy less and enjoy what they have more.

In addition to purchasing less, try to downsize and declutter, too. Bonus: when you declutter, you create a safer place to age in place.