New Year’s Resolutions: Because We're Not Done Yet!
If you think resolutions are just for twenty‑somethings with gym memberships they never use, think again. Older adults have every reason to embrace them and a few advantages, too.
Ah, New Year’s resolutions. Those little promises we make to ourselves right after reaching for another holiday cookie. They get a bad reputation, but honestly, they’re one of the most underrated life tools out there, especially for those of us who’ve lived long enough to know we'll be back here next year with the same struggles.
Resolutions help you put your life back in order. Since Halloween, life has been on autopilot for many of us. Candy and dessert at every turn, parties and holiday meals fill your plate, and a complete absence of a daily routine is the norm. A New Year's Resolution is like tapping the brakes and saying, “Hang on, I’m still in charge here.” And no, it doesn’t have to be dramatic. You don’t need to climb Mount Everest. You don’t even need to climb a step stool. A simple goal like “walk a little more” or “finally learn what all those buttons on the remote do” counts.
Whether it’s learning to paint, picking up a new language, or figuring out how to silence those mysterious phone notifications, resolutions keep your mind nimble. Your brain is a muscle. Learning something new, trying a hobby, or even changing a routine gives your mind a healthy workout.
“Let’s get together more this year” is a classic resolution, and a great one. Social connection is powerful, and not just because it gives you someone to complain to about the weather. Connecting with family and friends or even volunteering can turn resolutions into relationships, and relationships into joy. And joy into… well, more joy.
Resolutions also give us a chance to incorporate simple healthy habits into our daily routine. Whether you want to lose a few pounds or get a few more minutes of shuteye each night, setting a small intension at the beginning of the year and tracking your progress, in a way that is manageable and fun, can be the beginning to lasting positive change.
One of the perks of getting older is knowing what actually matters. Resolutions become less about competing with family and friends and more about enjoying life on your own terms. The best resolutions are realistic, kind, and sprinkled with humor. If you slip up, shrug it off. You’ve lived long enough to know perfection is overrated anyway and every day is a chance to start again. So go ahead try a New Year's resolution this year... BFore Aging in Place.
Here are some of our favorite New Year's Resolutions for older adults. Try one out in 2026!
- Move a little more each day. A daily walk, stretching, chair yoga, or even dancing while the kettle boils all count.
- Learn something new. A new hobby, a new recipe, a new tech skill, or even a new game. The brain loves to be challenged.
- Reconnect with people who matter. Call an old friend, join a club, or schedule regular coffee dates. Social connection is one of the strongest ways to improve your well‑being.
- Declutter one drawer at a time. It’s amazing how freeing the slightest progress can feel.
- Practice a little mindfulness. A few minutes of deep breathing, gratitude journaling, or quiet reflection can make the whole day feel steadier.
- Add one new healthy habit to your routine. Drinking more water, adding more veggies, or eating smaller portions can have big effects on your health.
- Plan something to look forward to. A trip, a class, a family visit, a project — anticipation is a powerful mood booster.
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