Setting Attainable Health Goals for Seniors

Creating and achieving attainable health goals can be a challenge at any age. However, seniors may need help exercising, eating right, and making healthy choices based on limited mobility or flexibility. Despite these challenges, seniors can still prioritize their health and create achievable goals that support a better tomorrow.

How to Set Attainable Goals

The first step in setting any goal is to figure out what you want to accomplish. Seniors looking to improve their health can choose a particular area to focus on. Using the “SMART” method can also help outline future health goals that you can start working on today. SMART goals entail the following:

Specific: The first step in creating a SMART goal is to be specific about your goals. The more detail you can add, the better.
Measurable: Next, figure out how you’ll measure your goal. If you want to make your health goal to walk 70,000 steps in a week, how many steps is that each day?
Achievable: Lofty goals can help us with motivation, but taking a moment to consider the achievability of your goal can help you set yourself up for success. If you don’t think your goal is achievable, figure out what’s in the way of that and adjust accordingly.
Realistic: Another way to set yourself up for success is to ask yourself if it’s realistic that you can achieve what you want in the given timeframe or to the level you’re hoping for. Again, shooting for the moon isn’t bad, but this step is all about managing your expectations.
Time-bound: In addition to creating a measurable goal, you should also place a time restriction on it. That doesn’t necessarily mean you rush the process; rather, you set a deadline to work toward and adjust as needed.

Now that you know more about how to set attainable health goals, you can apply this method to your individual goals. What elements of your health will you set goals for?

3 Attainable Health Goals for Seniors

The three goals below can help jumpstart your creative thinking and identify what goals you want to work toward. Brainstorm a list of what you want to accomplish and work through the SMART method to begin your health journey.

1. Explore New and Old Hobbies

Hobbies have a way of bringing out the best in us and connecting us with a larger community. If you’re struggling with your health, sometimes all it takes is a perspective shift, which happens most often when we do the things we love. Plus, we usually get to socialize with other people who share the same passion.

2. Concentrate on Self-Worth

Seniors wanting to focus on self-worth can do so in many ways. Self-worth may look like focusing on the positives, writing down what you like about yourself, or even accepting compliments gracefully. Self-compassion also goes hand-in-hand with self-worth.

3. Create a Monthly Meal Plan

Physical health is just as important for seniors as mental health. This spring, take a minute to incorporate some of your favorite seasonal fruits and vegetables into your meal plan. Try new recipes and bring back some old favorites to spice things up in the kitchen.

Senior Health is Our #1 Goal at Visiting Angels Webster

Regardless of your health goals, Visiting Angels Webster is your resource for senior home care services. We offer local seniors the chance to stay independent and healthy while connecting with their communities. Below are additional health resources we offer:

If you’d like to learn more about how we prioritize senior health at Visiting Angels Webster, contact us for a free consultation. Our care staff take pride in crafting a care plan suited to your and your aging loved one’s needs.