2022 Resolutions for the Intergenerational Family
2021 has been a long year filled with many ups and downs. With 2022 here now, it is an excellent time to reflect and move forward! A great way to do that is to set out goals and intentions for the year to come. When people think of New Year’s resolutions, our minds usually go to diet, exercise, and financial improvements, but there are many other inspiring options. And resolutions do not always have to be on your own; try making some with family and friends this year!
Medical Checkups
This is a typical New Year’s resolution, but it is important for the entire family. Ensure you are attending your doctor’s appointments regularly. Regular medical checkups also include attending the dentist! We often forget the importance of dental health and how it can affect other areas of our bodies. Flossing, brushing, and cleaning regularly are essential in preventing gum disease.
Fueling for a better you!
It is important for us to shift from the word diet and focus instead on nourishment. Studies have shown that eating balanced meals filled with whole foods reduces the risk of heart disease and others, including type 2 diabetes. It can be challenging switching out salty and sweets for a healthier option, but there are many options of whole foods out there:
Food with high fiber content for a healthy diet. High in antioxidants, anthocyanins, vitamins, and omega 3 fatty acids.
- Grains – wheat, whole grain rice, quinoa, rolled oats, faro, and barley
- Beans and legumes – lentils, kidney beans, lima beans, split peas, and chickpeas
- Nuts and seeds (not salted) – peanuts, almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, linseeds, pumpkin seeds
- Fruits and vegetables – all of them!
For a more detailed article on incorporating whole foods into your diet, read the natural balance foods article, or you can speak directly to OPALs dietician Patrick.
Legal Matters
This resolution is for your loved ones and yourself. Take time to ensure that your legal documents are all up to date. If you find that they’re not current, legal, and reflective of your desires, then meet with a lawyer to update them. For older adults, it is crucial to have a Health Representation Agreement and Power of Attorney in place while you can still make your own decisions. Read our blog on planning ahead for information.
Brain Health
The brain is a vital organ that we sometimes forget needs to be exercised as much as our bodies. Mental health conditions do not discriminate, and everyone can be at risk for issues such as depression and dementia. Focusing on brain health is one of the best things you can do regardless of gender or age so this resolution can be focused on alone or together as a family. There are various options to help us exercise our brains to improve memory and function.
Master Yang Liu with OPAL residents after a Tai Chi class
- Dancing – attend a dance expression class like Ballroom Dance Workz, or even casually bust a move in the living room!
- Tai Chi – take a Tai Chi class with Olympic Gold Medalist Master Liu
- Word games and puzzles
- Practicing or building your vocabulary
Self-care
Many of us associate self-care with selfishness, especially when we are people who love to take care of others. But I assure you, nothing can help your loved ones more than being the best version of yourself. Self-care is not selfish. Taking a little time for yourself or making sure you receive your self-care does not need to be grand and luxurious; if it is something that brings you joy – it counts! It has been proven that self-care is an essential part of maintaining your health and can even prevent chronic illnesses.
This year try to:
- connect with others
- attend an OPAL event
- relax with a book
- practice meditation
- book an appointment at the hair salon
- get yourself a new outfit or accessory
- get a new perfume or home scent
Again, if it brings you happiness and peace, it is self-care.
New Hobbies
An arts & crafts class held by the talented Barbara Jeffery with alcohol ink paint
Finding new hobbies and trying new things can help our physical and our mental health. There is something for everyone with many options that you can do by yourself or with others. Studies have shown that enjoying hobbies can help us live longer and healthier!
Lucky for all of us at OPAL, our recreation team does a beautiful job filling each month with various activities; why not try an arts and crafts class or pickleball?
Move more, and move often
Consistent physical activity is one of the most important things we can do for our health regardless of age. However, with adults aged 75+, it is said that only 2 out of 3 men and 1 of 2 women still engage in physical activity. The CDC stated that older adults could obtain significant health benefits with moderate activity. Loss of strength and stamina is attributed to aging partly caused by reduced physical activity. To learn more about bone health, attend a Balance & Better Bone class. And stay youthful with the vast array of recreation activities offered at OPAL!
Older adults and adults with injuries should consult with a physician before starting a new physical activity or routine
Whether you thrived in 2021 or not, the new year is upon us, and it is a 365 day long blank canvas! Resolutions can be intimidating, but they can also be fun; use your resolutions to grow individually and spend more time with loved ones. The opportunities are endless, and we are ready to conquer and make 2022 a great year!