By Jacquelin Elizabeth Castillo, M.D., Conviva Care Center, Associate Medical Director – San Antonio
The start of a new year is a good time to commit to new health goals. But don’t overextend yourself.
It can be hard to maintain goals you set for yourself in January and to stick to them all year, and seniors can have a higher hill to climb because of factors such as age, possible isolation, and medical problems. Your goals in 2025 should be focused on ways to remain healthy by eating quality meals, maintaining strength, and staying active. Think about your mental health goals as well. Maybe it’s as simple as seeking happiness wherever you can and taking joy in the little things in life.
Those “little things” span a broad range, from seeing the grandchildren or taking a walk in the park to making new acquaintances, going out for a periodic lunch, volunteering, enjoying a special hobby, meditating, or reading a book by your favorite author. Set a resolution to dedicate weekly time to your hobby or passion project. It will promote relaxation and give you something to look forward to.
If you’re a task-oriented person, consider making your goal to go to the gym or for a light jog three times a week. Or take classes offered at civic centers, libraries, and some Conviva centers to keep your mind occupied and focused.
Fight Depression
Daily living can be difficult, boring, or depressing, especially for seniors who have chronic health issues or live alone and have immediate family out of town. The isolation can be hard to overcome, so adding “interaction” to your checklist might be helpful. At Conviva, we offer wellness centers where seniors can socialize, interact, and assimilate into a vibrant community of their peers. Not being isolated should be a prime goal in 2025.
According to Mental Health America, depression affects more than 19 million people each year, regardless of age. Nearly a quarter of the 600,000 people who have a stroke in a given year will experience clinical depression. More than two million age 65 and over are suffering from some form of depression. (Mental Health America)
Learn New Skills
Many seniors are set in their ways, but in today’s world, continuous learning is more important than ever. And the great thing is it’s not hard! Learn how to use an iPad to stay in touch with loved ones, stay updated on cell phones, and the countless apps that will make your life easier. Thanks to online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning, access to professional and personal development courses has never been easier.
Accept and Understand
In the coming year, try to strengthen your personal relationships. It will do wonders when it comes to bonding. Bonding leads to more meaningful conversations and one may find that there is more in common with another person than differences. This investment in a relationship can be a source of joy and comfort in 2025.
Decluttering
Decluttering will make your life simpler. It frees up your physical and mental space, allowing you time to focus on quality over quantity. Be intentional with your belongings. What you don’t need, throw away. This practice helps create a more peaceful, organized environment to reduce stress and might help you lead a more manageable, meaningful lifestyle.
As we enter a new year, New Year’s resolutions are a cherished tradition. Enjoy the journey to achieving your goals by checking in on yourself occasionally to monitor your progress, and make sure you are enjoying every day to make this year your best one yet.
Conviva Care Centers
ABOUT CONVIVA
Conviva is part of CenterWell, a leading health care services business focused on creating integrated and differentiated experiences that put our patients at the center of everything we do. The result is high quality health care that is accessible, comprehensive, and, most of all, personalized. As the largest provider of senior-focused primary care, one of the leading providers of home health care, and a leading integrated home delivery, specialty, hospice, and retail pharmacy, CenterWell is focused on whole health and addressing the physical, emotional, and social wellness of our patients. CenterWell and Conviva are part of Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM). Learn more about what we offer at CenterWell.com and ConvivaCareCenters.com.
