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Why You Should Never Stop Setting New Health Goals

3 Minute Read

By Jessica Deng

At the beginning of the year, we often think about ways to improve our lives by setting goals for the New Year. Goal setting is commonly associated with younger adults, but setting goals is very important for older adults too. Goals and resolutions provide us with goals and purpose in our lives. It may seem clichéd, especially as you get older, but resolutions can help you.It’s no secret that age, health, and wellness have become more important, and living in a healthier way has proven to add years to your life. After retirement and into later years, it’s the best time to set personal goals that will help make the most of the time and energy you invest. In this article, we’re sharing with you some key factors as to why seniors should not stop setting new health goals.It’s no secret that age, health, and wellness have become more important, and living in a healthier way has proven to add years to your life. After retirement and into later years, it’s the best time to set personal goals that will help make the most of the time and energy you invest. In this article, we’re sharing with you some key factors as to why seniors should not stop setting new health goals.

Maintain purpose in life as you age
- A sense of purpose encourages you to look at the days ahead with positivity. Find that purpose. Having a purpose in life as we age is associated with a whole host of positive health outcomes, including:
  - Fewer chronic conditions
  - Less disability
  - Improved mental health
  - Reduced mortality
  - Lower healthcare spending
  - Better quality of life
Setting goals that support mental health
- Mental health – your emotional, psychological, and social well-being – is essential to your overall health and quality of life. Self-care can help maintain good and strong mental health, reduce stress, and lower your risk of illness.
Setting goals that support physical health
- Research shows that there many important health benefits to exercising and physical activities. Regular exercising and physical activity for seniors help improve mental and physical health. Physical activities are shown to prevent diseases, decreased risks of falls, social engagement, improved cognition function, etc.
Setting goals that support social health
- As we age, our social priorities and needs can change. They can also be more difficult to fulfill due to health problems, mobility changes, and a shrinking social network which may contribute to feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Meaningful social relationships help to provide affection, as well as a sense of purpose and respect.
Accomplishment = Happiness
- Pushing ourselves to attain something we thought was impossible is a wonderful feeling at any age and needing a little extra care is no reason to stop setting goals. If anything, it’s the best opportunity to start looking for new challenges.

Some seniors may find it difficult to pursue goals or activities in general. If your elderly loved one needs help in maintaining goals or enhancing their quality of life, consider hiring an elderly caregiver. LifeWorx has the finest, most dedicated, and most compassionate in-home caregivers who are experienced and skilled in promoting a healthy lifestyle and longevity.