4 New Year’s Resolutions to Make with Your Senior Loved One

The “New Year’s resolution” tradition has existed since ancient times. Many people focus on trying to fix something about themselves. Often, people set unachievable goals and end up more frustrated. But we have a different challenge for you and your aging loved one this year!

Instead of focusing on what you could DO better, make self-care resolutions that will help you FEEL better every day—like having fun, staying connected, and enjoying moments together with your senior loved one.

Simple New Year Changes with Professional Senior Care

Here are a few minor changes you both can make in the new year—and continue year-round, with a little help from Visiting Angels senior care services.

1. Celebrate Little Steps Toward Healthier Habits

When it comes to healthy aging, even small updates can add up to big benefits. Introduce new diet and exercise recommendations slowly:

• Give the pantry and refrigerator a facelift by gradually replacing low-nutrition convenience foods with healthy alternatives
• Make a list of new foods or recipes to try together
• Promote physical activity by offering choices in a casual tone (e.g., “Is today a walking day or a chair exercise day?”
• Spend a few minutes together curating a playlist of online exercise videos
• Look for unobtrusive ways to improve safety, such as removing a rug that might be a fall risk or moving often-used items to lower shelves

A professional in-home caregiver can provide helpful reminders, such as updating a goal-tracking board or calendar to celebrate daily, weekly, or monthly achievements. We can also join in the fun as a companion, keeping your loved one safe and active while you tend to other responsibilities.

2. Make More Social Connections

Loneliness and isolation can have as much of an impact on your senior’s wellbeing as their physical health. In fact, medical studies have found strong links between social connection and increased longevity, physical wellness, and emotional health.

There are many simple wins to help your loved one stay mentally active and socially engaged in the coming year:

• Connect with family and friends through social media
• Join a book club through the public library or a local bookstore
• Play an online multiplayer game like Words with Friends, Scrabble, Sudoku, or chess
• Watch lives treams of worship services or grandchildren’s school events

Companion care is a great option for your loved one when you can’t be with them. A professional caregiver can transport your senior to their favorite activities outside the home, assist with a hobby, or even share a cup of coffee and conversation.

Related reading: 7 Ways to Help Seniors Keep a Sharp Mind

3. Go on More Adventures

Even when winter weather keeps us inside, a bit of imagination can open doors to new adventures the whole family can enjoy. Focus on an activity or theme to start finding easy ways your loved one and other family members can explore together:

• Travel: Plan for a trip you’ll take together when the weather improves.
• Meals: Enjoy tasty cuisine from other cultures. Just watch out for ingredients that could cause stomachaches, like super-sweet or spicy dishes.
• History: Curate your own online exhibit of favorite artifacts from museums around the world (or even some close to home) using tools like Canva or Google Slides.

No matter where your adventure takes you, remember the journey is just as important as the destination! Doing projects together can help seniors feel connected, purposeful, and cherished—and it’s a chance to build more wonderful memories.

4. Practice Self-Care

Plan some day-dates with your loved one to enjoy a bit of pampering. Get a manicure, pedicure, facial, massage, or new hairstyle together. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy a spa day. Try at-home kits from the local supermarket, or see if a beauty college nearby offers discounts on services.

Your own health and well-being matter, too. Work with Visiting Angels to schedule respite care so you can manage your responsibilities and avoid caregiver burnout.

Visiting Angels Can Assist

Above all, remember that it’s OK to ask for help. When you need an extra hand, Visiting Angels is ready to help. Our experienced in-home caregivers provide a range of non-medical services in the home, including long-distance care if you live far away.

Take the next step by scheduling a free home care consultation. Let us help you navigate the process—call us at 800-365-4189 today to start the new year off right!