Forty (40) Self-Care New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers and Seniors in 2026

By Gretchen Curry, MSPH | January 5, 2026 | Comments Off on Forty (40) Self-Care New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers and Seniors in 2026

Forty (40) Self-Care New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers and Seniors

Here are forty (40) self-care resolutions and tips that may help you get your new year off to a great start! We suggest your self-care actions for 2026 include some of the following:

Take Care of Your Physical Health (6)

  • Keep it moving-get out of the house and walk, and whenever possible- walk outdoors when the weather allows or walk at a nearby mall. Just keep it moving!
  • If you have Silver Sneakers, use your membership to its fullest potential! Definitely, join the nearest Silver Sneakers gym!
  • Prioritize a good night’s sleep and make an effort to get to bed early and at a consistent time.
  • Eat as healthily as possible, prioritize eating fresh fruit and vegetables and less processed food.
  • Drink plenty of water and limit caffeine, sugary beverages, and alcohol.
  • Sign up for Physical Therapy if you want to improve your mobility or strength in specific areas needed. You usually do not need a physician referral to go in for an assessment.

Take Care of Your Medical/Dental Wellness (4)

  • Stay on top of your annual and regular medical/dental screenings & appointments.
  • Pay attention to annual and bi-annual lab reports and ask questions about the results.
  • Make appointments for medical or dental issues that concern you quickly.
  • Take medications as prescribed and consistently.

Take Care of Your Mental Health (5)

  • Sunlight is proven to help one’s mental help-open your blinds and shades in your house or apartment.
  • Speak to yourself positively about your life and efforts.
  • Seek out professional mental health support as needed. You can do this either virtually or in person.
  • Keep a gratitude journal. On a regular (daily or several times a week) write what you are grateful to have in your life or to have experienced that day.
  • Forgive yourself for past failings and forgive those who have hurt you.

Make Sure You Stay Connected (6)

  • Join a book club or a similar club of interest.
  • Seek out free community lectures or programs for enjoyment and learning.
  • Start a monthly Zoom meeting for extended family.
  • Call 1-3 friends per week to catch up on each other’s lives. Call at least one person you have not talked to for 6 months or more.
  • Schedule lunch or coffee with another friend.
  • If you are a person of faith, stay connected to your faith community. Attend weekly services when possible and take advantage of the faith community’s offerings.

Seek Out Help and Assistance (3)

  • Seek out ongoing or “as needed” professional counseling services to discuss mood changes and managing life challenges.
  • Is maintaining your house/apartment or yard becoming more challenging? Hire trustworthy help!
  • If you are overwhelmed by life or caregiving responsibilities, ask for assistance from family, friends or professionals who might support you. We frequently do not because we ask not.

Set Aside Quiet Time on a Weekly Basis (6)

  • Read a book.
  • Take a long bath.
  • Light a scented candle.
  • Listen to soothing music.
  • Take time for quiet mindfulness, prayer or meditation.
  • If you have a fireplace, build a fire on a quiet evening. Sit by it and enjoy!

Pamper Yourself Without Blowing Your Budget (4)

  • Purchase fresh cut flowers, it will remind you that spring and summer are around the corner.
  • Treat yourself to spa services that you have enjoyed in the past. Many are discounted in January!
  • Go to happy hour or an “early dine-in” meal at local restaurant and order something that you might consider too pricy to order later in the evening.
  • Enjoy a movie alone or with a friend on a day the movies are discounted at your local theater (take your own cheap treats with you).

DeClutter Your Space (2)

  • Decluttering your space has been proven to be good for your self-care and mental health. Start small! Start throwing away and donating small amounts of items each week. How do you eat an elephant, one bite at a time! In 52 weeks, you will be surprised at your progress!
  • If you are on Facebook and your city/town/suburb has a “Free Stuff” group, post pictures of items you intend to give away or sit out on the curb. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Address Financial and Estate Issues (4)

  • Review and adjust your monthly expenses.
  • Attend a class on budgeting and financial planning where the presenters are NOT trying to sell you a financial product. The local community college usually has multiple offerings.
  • Talk to a legit and reliable financial professional about your concerns, plans and goals.
  • Make sure you have addressed estate issues with a legal professional and that they are in order. It will give you peace of mind.

We hope you will incorporate some of these tips into your self-care resolutions and self-care plan for this year! Caring for yourself matters! Happy 2026!

 

Picture Credit: www.freepik.com

Gretchen Curry, MSPH
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