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Some New Year's resolutions for seniors Simple ways to make healthier meals BY METRO Resolutions can be made at any age. Seniors who may feel that they are past the point in life where try- ing something new or setting goals is rel- evant to them should reconsider, since it's never too late in life to have aspirations big or small. The golden years may be different from any other period in a person's life, but seniors can still embrace mak- ing positive changes. In fact, according to stud- ies by Rush University, people who view life with a sense of purpose are two to four times less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. The following are some potential resolutions for seniors. Focus on safety Aging sparks certain changes to the body and mind. Recogniz- ing that you can't do all of the things you did when you were younger doesn't mean there aren't ways to improve upon those things you can do, especially if you make some safety- minded tweaks. Re- solve to improve home safety, such as remov- ing tripping hazards, installing grab bars, checking smoke alarms and installing a secu- rity system. Find new workouts The exercise rou- tines you engaged in just a few years ago may no longer suit your physical abilities or interests. Investigate new fitness regimens or methods of movement. Tai chi, yoga, water aerobics, walking clubs and more can be incor- porated into your daily habits. Organize your medical records Seeing health issues and topics pictured sys- tematically and clearly can help you stay on top of appointments and wellness measures. There are many differ- ent organizing systems to embrace; find one that works for your needs. Declutter your home Resolve to get rid of extraneous items that are no longer serving a purpose beyond collect- ing dust. Having more room to move around can be safer, particu- larly if you need a cane or another assistive device, and there will be less to clean if you remove some clutter. If you plan to downsize soon, clearing clutter can make the move easier. Learn something new A language, skill or hobby are all within reach when you map out the steps to achieving your goal. Make some new social connections Caring Places, a senior communities company, indicates that socially active older adults have better cognition and lower risks for depression than those who do not consistently reach out to friends. Aspire to make some new acquaintances and companions or to get back in touch with those you haven't spoken to in some time. Seniors can focus on key resolutions to make positive changes for the future. BY METRO New Year's resolu- tions run the gamut from kicking bad hab- its such as smoking to finding more time to exercise to learning a foreign language. Many resolutions are about self-improvement, and that desire to live better can extend into the pro- fessional arena. New Year's resolu- tions can be just as beneficial to a person's professional life as they can in that same indi- vidual's personal life. With that in mind, pro- fessionals can consider these work-related reso- lutions. Rebalance work and family life A 2015 survey of 1,000 full-time profes- sionals in the United States found that 77 percent felt they had experienced burnout at their jobs. Rebalanc- ing work and family life can make more time for things outside of work, including family. That can lead to greater life satisfaction, including a renewed vigor for your career. Be a more effective team communicator Even professionals satisfied with their ca- reers can take steps to make their work lives better. There are many reasons why work- ers feel stressed and burned out, and some may find communica- tion with their manag- ers is lacking. Managers can make a concerted effort to improve lines of communication with their staff. Doing so can improve productiv- ity and create a better working environment for all. Find ways to be more productive Remarkably, a 2019 study by RescueTime found that, in a given workday, workers' aver- age time of productivity is just two hours and 28 minutes. By making a concerted effort to be more productive, work- ers can get more done in a typical eight-hour workday, thus pav- ing the way for a bet- ter work-life balance. Spend less time surf- ing the internet, avoid checking your phone for texts and other dis- tractions, and make a daily schedule of tasks to tackle. Each of these steps can help you be more productive in a given workday. Make an effort to change careers The numbers are in regarding satisfaction at work, and they're not very promising. Accord- ing to Gallup's State of the Global Workplace 2022 report, 60 percent of workers report being emotionally detached at work. Perhaps more troubling is that 19 per- cent report being miser- able at their jobs. Professionals who are not engaged at work can resolve to get the ball rolling on a career change in the year ahead. Look into what that might entail, whether it's simply applying for new jobs in your field or going back to school to facil- itate a career change, and take the necessary first step. When making New Year's resolutions for 2023, professionals can resolve to find ways to make their workdays better. Work-related resolutions to consider in the new year BY METRO Cooking foods at home is one of the sim- plest ways to gain greater control over personal health. Cooking at home is the easiest way to know precisely what you're put- ting into your body each day. Cooking your own meals also enables you to customize recipes so they align with any dietary restrictions or personal preferences you may have. According to a 2021 survey by the consumer market research firm Hunter, 71 percent of people in the United States plan to continue cooking more at home after the pandemic ends. Increased creativity and confidence in the kitchen, as well as the fact that cooking at home helps to save money and enables one to eat healthier, is driving the ongoing in- crease in dining in. When cooking at home, cooks can consider various tips to make meals that are much healthier. Increase fiber intake Fiber improves bowel regularity and helps a person feel full between meals. High fiber foods also help stabilize blood sugar levels. Two servings of fibrous foods at each meal and an additional fiber-rich snack each day can ensure your body is getting the fiber it needs. Slow down eating The pace at which a person eats a meal can affect his or her overall health. Healthline re- ports that fast eaters are more likely to eat more and have higher body mass indexes than slow eaters. Choose whole grains Choosing whole grain breads or cereals over re- fined grains can make for a more nutritious diet. Whole grains are linked to a reduced risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Swap Greek yogurt for other varieties Greek yogurt contains up to twice as much pro- tein as regular yogurt, providing roughly 10 grams per 3.5 ounces. Protein along with fiber helps a person feel fuller longer, which can man- age appetite and reduce overeating. Greek yogurt also can replace mayon- naise or sour cream in certain recipes. Add a vegetable to every meal Vegetables are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, they tend to be high in anti- oxidants that strengthen the immune system. Increase vegetable intake by eating vegetables with every meal. Choose healthy fats While a person should minimize the amount of oils and other fats used during the cooking pro- cess, when it's necessary for a recipe, select the best fat possible. Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat that is packed with antioxidant polyphenols. It is considered a heart- healthy oil, and it may promote a healthy brain and memory function. Sweetened beverages Sodas and other sweetened drinks are leading sources of added sugar in diets. Opting for water or naturally sweet- ened fruit juices can im- prove overall health. Small dietary changes can add up to big health benefits. H8 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 001 Homes | Advertising Section

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