The New Year is an exciting opportunity to turn over a new leaf, and setting resolutions is a fun way to welcome what’s to come! Whether you’re looking to make positive habits, try something that’s been sitting on your bucket list, or focus on things that improve your well-being, it’s the perfect time to explore a new endeavor.

Though there are always opportunities to rediscover yourself and your life’s purpose, as the seasons change and the start of a new calendar year is upon us, why not use this renewal as the motivation you’ve been looking for?

For retirees, setting New Year’s resolutions can be especially helpful. Though retirement is a chapter of life that is eagerly anticipated, it can throw a curveball or two at times. After spending years working or following a familiar routine, transitioning to retirement may be a bit tough. It’s normal for some people to feel uncertain about their life’s purpose as they rediscover new meaning in their lives.

The great part about creating New Year’s resolutions is that you can make them as unique and personalized as you wish. If you’re unsure where to begin, here are a few ideas to spark your creativity:

Try something new.

One perk of retirement is being able to explore new things with more time and independence on your hands. The 55+ Active Living Communities provide residents with plenty of opportunities to pick up a new hobby and meet the goals they set for themselves. Whether it be finding ways to socialize or dedicate more time to working out, the amenities here are endless.

Trying something new can be done independently or with friends. There are group activities such as yoga, building community vegetable gardens, indulging in arts and crafts, or enjoying a movie in our state-of-the-art theater. These are simple yet enjoyable ways to spend time with friends, achieve your New Year’s goals, and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Broaden your social horizons.

New friendships can blossom at any age. As mentioned, engaging in community activities is a great way to meet new people and build meaningful relationships. You never know; you may just find things in common with your next-door neighbor! Meeting new people is also an opportunity to learn something new.

Connecting with new friends takes patience and it’s okay to feel nervous when introducing yourself. It can be as simple as asking others to participate in an activity listed in the community calendar, sharing a meal, or making conversation over a cup of coffee. Gloria Dei’s community bus trips are also a great way to meet others while having a memorable experience.

Stay on the move.

It’s no secret that aging can present risks to our mental and physical health. If you’re feeling worried about your well-being, exercising is a great way to prevent issues from arising and help you stay in shape. Since navigating retirement can be a bit overwhelming at times, being active is known to lift your spirits, release positive emotions, and promote a healthier perspective.

At Gloria Dei’s 55+ Active Living Communities, we understand how important it is to promote the well-being of all our residents. Whether it be indulging in the community fitness centers, participating in an outdoor game, or taking a walk around our landscaped courtyards, there is something for everyone.

Embrace relaxation.

Though being active is key to keeping you in good health, it’s just as important to relax and give ourselves some downtime. Doing so can keep your heart in good health, reduce muscle tension, and improve memory and brain function. Remember, as you test the waters with different resolutions, you don’t always have to push your limits. Be cautious of your abilities and dedicate time to rest as you try new things.

Our communities have cozy seating areas and community rooms for lounging. Residents can access movie rooms, indoor heated pools, and beauty and barber shops, depending on the location. Each of these ways to relax eases the mind and alleviates potential stress. The communities also provide a maintenance-free living style—no need to worry about pesky, time-consuming housework or tasks.

Review and update documents

New Years is the perfect time to revisit any essential documents, such as your written will, or healthcare and financial papers. Reviewing these essentials ensures that the documents are accurate and up to date. Make sure your phone number and address are correct.

It’s always important to have your important documents updated and readily available. As you begin scheduling annual healthcare appointments, having missing information or not knowing where something is the last thing you want to worry about. This is especially important in case an unexpected situation arises.

Focus on your health.

In addition to getting your exercise in, take the initiative to schedule your annual appointments and doctor visits in advance. Making it a point to do this at the start of the New Year avoids procrastination and prioritizes physical and mental health. Staying on top of appointments can reduce any complications from arising.

An additional resolution is setting good eating habits. Consuming fruits and vegetables and staying hydrated improves brain function and energy levels. Don’t forget to get the proper amount of sleep each night. All these healthy habits can prevent common colds that tend to arrive as the temperature drops and lower overall health risks.

For retirees, the transition into retirement is a fresh start. Though goals can be set at any time of the year, the spirit of the New Year brings a greater sense of encouragement. There are many opportunities to step out of your comfort zone to explore new things, try different activities, practice healthy habits, and spend more time doing the things you love.

To learn more about what each of our 55+Active Living Communities has to offer, visit our Active Living page to see the features and amenities of each location and how they serve to encourage New Year’s resolutions for all!