On behalf of the entire team at LifeCare Mobility Solutions, we would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year! With 2025 well underway, this is the perfect time to reflect on your personal goals and set meaningful resolutions. For older adults and those who contend with mobility issues, New Year’s resolutions should primarily focus on enhancing safety, improving health and boosting overall well-being.
Here are four New Year’s resolutions for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges:
1. “I will keep physically active.”
As you know, physical activity is crucial for maintaining mobility, strength and balance. It’s important, of course, to be active without risking injury. Aim to perform light exercises that are tailored to your abilities. Think chair yoga, stretching or taking short walks. You might even want to join a class. Many community centres offer senior-friendly fitness programs, both in-person and online.
“Physical activity has a variety of benefits for everyone, especially older adults,” reports Katelyn Henderson of Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC), “Regular physical activity can contribute to physical fitness and health, including the prevention cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer…It has also been associated with improved mental health, delayed onset of dementia and improved quality of life and wellbeing.”
2. “I will maintain social connections.”
While taking care of your physical well-being, it’s important to not neglect your mental health. This is especially true for seniors who may live alone. Loneliness can have a significant impact on mental health, leading to significant bouts of depressions. As a result, staying socially connected is essential. Be sure to schedule regular calls or video chats with your family and friends. As well, explore local senior clubs, hobby groups or virtual meetups to stay engaged.
“Maintaining relationships and spending time with others is essential to a senior’s emotional and mental well-being,” insists Lifeline Canada, “Social interaction for seniors is important as it can help prevent depression, which is prevalent among seniors. In fact, some studies indicate 20 percent of the population over 70 years of age suffer from depression. There are many causes, but it’s often made worse by the fact that people who were once active now spend much of their time alone.”
3. “I will place better focus on my nutrition.”
It’s important for us all to eat healthy, no matter our ages or physical conditions. It’s well known that eating a balanced diet can improve energy, mood and overall health. Fill your meals with nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day as well.
As the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE) makes clear, “healthy eating is a key part of aging well. It is a way for you to stay healthy and strong, which is important to maintain your independence and quality of life.”
4. “I will safeguard my entire home.”
Depending on the size of your home, this can be quite the laborious undertaking. However, there’s nothing more important than your health and safety. So, remember that a safe living space is essential for maintaining independence and preventing accidents. Schedule a home safety assessment to identify potential hazards. We’re talking about loose rugs, poor lighting and cluttered pathways.
Of course, we would also suggest that you consider installing mobility aids like a stair lift, grab bars, a home hospital bed or a porch lift to make your home more accessible. At LifeCare Mobility Solutions, we take great pride in creating safe and enjoyable living conditions for all of our clients. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800, email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca or fill out the form on our Contact page with any questions about our mobility solutions!
