Lose weight, start exercising, eat healthier - these are the resolutions we all seem to make at the start of a new year. If you’re a senior, you may have made these resolutions several times by now.
So how about something less predictable? Here are a few ideas for senior New Year’s resolutions that might help you learn something new, improve your financial situation, or see more of your family.
Revisit a hobby or passion from your past.
Did you love painting when you were in college? Did you used to play a sport? Why not revisit it to see if it still holds your interest?
Trying out something you used to love can be a fun way to break up any boredom you may be feeling from being retired. You might find you’re not as interested in the activity as you used to be - or you may find that it’s still something you love to do.
Creative hobbies like dancing, art, and photography can all be excellent ways to exercise your mind.
If you used to play a sport that’s relatively low-impact, like tennis, you may be able to take it up again. If not, perhaps you can share your love of the game with young people as a coach.
Exercise your brain regularly.
Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise - perhaps even more so, once we reach senior age.
Make sure you take time to exercise your brain daily. If you do so with crossword puzzles or sudoku, experts say you should regularly increase the difficulty, as that will help improve your brain plasticity.
Another option you may not have thought of is learning a new language. Even though learning languages comes easiest to young children, anyone at any age is capable of learning a brand new language. If you do so with a group of friends or in a formal class, you’ll be combining mental exercise with social interaction, which will give your brain - and overall health - an extra boost.
Strengthen your familial bonds.
If you’ve fallen out of touch with family members, make this the year to reach out and repair the relationship.
Family bonds are important for everyone, but especially seniors. Maintaining close relationships with others improves your physical, mental, and emotional health, and helps ensure that you have a support network behind you in case your health is compromised or your cognitive abilities begin to decline.
Of course, “family” doesn’t have to mean blood relatives. Anyone whom you have a strong relationship with can become family.
Talk to your financial advisor about life settlements.
The startling truth is that more than 80% of seniors don’t know about the life settlement option - even though for many, it can be a great option for eliminating an expensive, unnecessary life insurance policy while gaining more than its cash surrender value.
If you have a policy that you no longer need or can no longer afford, you should ask your financial advisor about whether a life settlement might be a good fit for you. This is especially true if you have long-term care costs to cover, or if your premiums are becoming a burden.
With these New Year’s resolutions, you’ll be on your way to a great year. Happy New Year from all of us at Ashar!