Have you ever heard the phrase, new year, new you? It seems to pop up every year in January. We want to share a few ways for you to help achieve that goal of new year, new you and pave the path to a bright future!

In this new year, seniors have been some of the first people to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. This provides hope and as many have said “a light at the end of the tunnel” when it comes to the ongoing pandemic. Those who have received the vaccine say it brings a sense of positivity that they may be able to return to some sense of normalcy in the near future. At Loretto, we have experienced this first hand. Recently, PACE CNY participants and staff were overjoyed to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Julie Bluman, BS, RN at PACE CNY, shared her experience with us: “I had the pleasure of being the RN monitoring the room after their injections. The residents were so thrilled to have gotten the vaccine and so excited to be amongst their peers again that we had a hard time sending them back to their apartments! They were thrilled to see Dr. Lamanna and the PACE staff, and so happy to have this hope that they will be back at the center again soon.”

So, what can you do now as we get closer to “the light at the end of the tunnel”?

1. This year is a great time for seniors to pick up a new hobby that will help eliminate boredom during quarantine. It is the perfect opportunity to try something different that wasn’t possible in the past. Painting, drawing, cooking, baking, or maybe even playing a computer game are some of the hobbies we recommend!
2. Exercise and physical activity are something that people of every age typically commit to at the beginning of a new year. Lifting weights or participating in virtual or socially distanced exercise classes can still be done throughout the winter. When the spring approaches, get outside and take a walk, pick up gardening, or pull that bike out of the garage. If you are living within a senior living community, look for weekly or monthly calendars that list what activities are taking place virtually or in person.
3. Mind exercises go hand in hand with physical exercise. It is important for seniors to keep their minds sharp. There are many ways to do this, including crossword puzzles, card games, and crafts. Taking a break from TV and picking up a new book also is a great activity for the mind. Maybe you are not able to have an in-person book club, but a virtual book club can be just as fun.
4. Along with exercising mind and body, eating healthy helps pave the way for a strong future. Healthy eating also will provide the strength to fight off illness. Fruits, vegetables, and lean protein foods are recommended for seniors to maintain a healthy diet.

As we continue into the new year and navigating a new normal, we hope that some of the activities will help guide you or a loved one to achieving the goal of a NEW YEAR, NEW YOU!