A new year brings a perfect opportunity for all of us to re-evaluate our goals, ambitions, and hopes for the future. And for retirees new to independent living, there are plenty of goals that can help you maximize this unique experience. So, to start your year off on the right foot, consider these five practical (but valuable) new year’s resolutions for senior living residents:

1. Participate in More Community Events

One of the best parts of senior living is access to community events year-round. Community events are an excellent time to socialize, meet new community members, and explore new interests. At Vineyard Senior Living, residents enjoy a full schedule of community events and activities that are constantly changing. 

A good goal for new senior living residents is to attend more of these events. Even though attending an event is just a few steps away, it can still be tempting to stay at home—but you get more involved in your community by setting a goal to attend a certain number of events.

2. Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care is essential for all age groups but even more crucial for older adults. Self-care is critical to staying well and enjoying retirement, but it can often fall to the backburner against other priorities. 

In the new year, residents should set a goal to dedicate more time to self-care. For example, you can add one weekly self-care activity to your schedule. Self-care can include a variety of things, like:

  • Visiting a spa
  • Meditating
  • Visiting a salon
  • Shopping
  • Reading a book
  • Taking a day trip

Retirement is the perfect time to indulge in more self-care. These activities can work wonders for physical and mental health, making them a worthwhile goal for the new year.

3. Invest in Healthy Eating

Healthy eating is critical for a long and healthy retirement, but it is something people of all ages struggle to do. Maintaining a healthy diet involves more than just eating fruits and vegetables; you also need to consider your individual nutritional needs.

Through Vineyard Senior Living’s dining program, residents have access to healthy meals daily. In the new year, new residents can prioritize their health by investigating where their diet may be lacking and filling in the gaps.

4. Make Exercise a Habit

Making your physical fitness a goal for the new year is an excellent idea for older adults who still need an exercise routine. You can find an independent exercise routine that works for you or join a class or club that makes fitness fun. Finding an accountability buddy to work out with is another way to make exercise stick as a habit.

5. Meet a New Friend

One of the best aspects of retirement in independent living is the abundant opportunities for meaningful socializing. Connecting with others can offer a range of health benefits, and there’s no better way to do this than by making a new friend. 

At Vineyard Senior Living, there are plenty of ways to socialize with other residents through coordinated events, dining, and social time in common areas. Residents find they have a lot in common with their neighbors, and many easily make lifelong bonds with their fellow community members and the staff. 

Setting Goals at Vineyard Senior Living

We believe in a holistic approach to wellness and retirement at Vineyard Senior Living. We work with every resident to ensure they enjoy their time in the community and reach their full potential. 

Through our personalized living approach, we fully support resident goal setting, and our staff will do everything they can to help residents reach those goals. Call us today to learn more about our communities and programs.