Healthy Aims For The New Year

The New Year is right around the corner and gives us the opportunity for a fresh start. For many, the New Year provides us with the motive for getting healthier and in shape so the coming year can bring lots more memories.

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In the next few days before New Year, why not think about what your aims can be for the New Year, to better your overall health? Consider what can be done both physically and mentally; if you are not too sure, these resolutions might help you get a head start:

Exercise Everyday

Staying active is key to healthy ageing, but that doesn’t mean spending the majority of your day exercising. However, exercising a small amount every day, between 10 and 30 minutes (or as much as you are able) is hugely beneficial. After a while, the exercise will become a habit, and your physical well-being will improve.

Eat Healthier

Refine your diet to make it healthier; cut out foods high in sugar, salt and fat and be sure to have your five-a-day of fruit and vegetables. If you have specific dietary requirements due to high or low blood pressure, or other ongoing conditions, talk to your doctor before making huge changes to your diet. A few simple changes to your diet can have a huge effect on your overall health, giving you more energy.

Keep Your Brain Active

It is not just your body that needs to stay in shape, as keeping your brain healthy means it will work better and can help with brain diseases people face in older age. Try puzzles such as crosswords or Sudoku, play card games or join a club or group that requires thinking and discussions such as a book club. You may even want to join a course, and learn something new!

Make Your Mobility Easier

Sometimes being physically fit is not enough to help with your mobility, but there are many ways to help this issue. Install handrails, stairlifts and even a ramp, should you need it, to help with mobility in your home. Investing in walkers or high spec mobility scooters will also help your health when out and about.

Make New Friends

This can be the hardest resolution for older people, but there are a few different ways to get out and meet new people. Care homes and residentials often host social events that are open to people not staying at the home, and Age UK run a ‘befriending service’ where a volunteer comes to talk to an older person once a week in their home. Having people to talk to in later life can help you to beat loneliness.

Are there any New Year aims you have that will keep you healthy? Why not share them via our social media channels?!

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