Is your new year’s resolution to be a healthier version of yourself?

A common goal is to become more physically active and maintain that exercise habit throughout the year.

For older adults, exercise assists with maintaining independence, healthy bones and joints, and reducing risk of chronic diseases.

Fortunately, 28–34 percent of adults ages 65–74 and 35–44 percent of adults 75 and older are already physically active, based on a 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, a 2015 New Year’s Resolution study by the Statistic Brain Research Institute concluded the lowest success rates are in the 50+ age group with only 8 percent confirming they maintained their resolutions through the entire year.

Staying motivated depends on your personality and preference. You control your schedule; choose activities that fit your needs.

Being physically active is more about moving and less about how intense the movement is. “Some physical activity is better than none. Adults who sit less and do any amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity gain some health benefits,” states the U.S Department of Health and Human Services in a 2018 study on Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

Get motivated and get moving:

• Create realistic goals.
• Focus daily on the benefits of exercising.
• Find activities you enjoy.
• Track your progress.
• Post your goal in visible areas.

Always seek advice from your doctor when you begin to engage in new physical activities or diets.

Take this time to reflect on your past experiences from the previous year and create new goals for this year.

Additional resources are available to assist with your goal of health and wellness. Contact a Community Resource Specialist of Sourcewise: (408) 350-3200, option 1.