New Year, Clean Slate, Small Changes

With each new year, armed with a fresh outlook and a clean slate, we begin to gather our good intentions and plan for a year that will bring our best selves forward.  Whether it’s a goal to get more exercise and eat a healthier diet, de-clutter the house and prepare for downsizing or simply be open to new experiences, there has never been a time with greater possibilities.  Advances in medicine, better access to health care and nutrition and changing attitudes about aging have made this generation of seniors one of the healthiest and longest-living in history.

What then does 2017 have in store for modern seniors who want to get the most out of life? Fad diets and guilt-driven restrictions begone!  Instead of focusing on deprivation and extreme minimalism, 2017 trends are turning toward a more “intuitive” style of eating and more moderate and sustainable activity goals.  With guidance from a nutritionist, seniors can make sense of so much conflicting information flying around and create a diet that is well-rounded, healthy and delicious.

Exercise trends, too, will evolve in the coming year but instead of signing up for a rigorous and expensive fitness class, think about committing to daily activity that can be sustained over the long-term.  Setting realistic goals such as walking twice a day for 20 minutes can be more productive in creating a healthier lifestyle than radical changes that taper off over time.  Older adults may also want skip the “hot” classes;  hot yoga, pilates or spinning can result in over-heating and even heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

If a wearable fitness tracker helps motivate you to move more, it’s a trend worth sticking with as is strength training to maintain or improve physical function.  Using your own body weight to perform squats, push-ups or planks is a great alternative to expensive equipment or gym memberships.   Making small decisions to walk rather than drive, take that art class or skip the second glass of wine are the changes that will make 2017 a year filled with great promise.

As with any change in physical activity or diet, it’s important to first talk with your doctor and start slowing, building up in intensity and duration over time.