Achievable New Year’s Resolutions for Diabetic Seniors

This article provides general information about diabetes management and New Year’s resolutions, particularly for diabetic seniors looking to improve their health in the upcoming year. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diabetes care routine.

As we approach another year, many diabetic seniors are thinking about new years resolutions diabetic seniors can actually keep. Setting realistic goals that work with your lifestyle is especially important when you’re balancing diabetes care with other health considerations.

Practical New Year’s Resolutions for Diabetic Seniors

The best resolutions are ones you can actually keep. Let’s explore some diabetes-friendly goals that are both manageable and meaningful for seniors on Medicare.

Start small! Choose just 1-2 resolutions to focus on each quarter. You’re more likely to succeed when you don’t overwhelm yourself with too many changes at once.

1. Monitor Blood Sugar More Consistently

If you’re using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), resolve to check your readings at key times during the day:

• First thing in the morning
• Before meals
• Two hours after meals
• Before bedtime

Medicare covers CGM supplies for qualifying seniors. Call us at 727-831-3729 to learn if you’re eligible for covered supplies.

Making It Stick

• Set phone alarms as reminders
• Keep a simple log by your bedside
• Share results with a family member weekly
• Celebrate consistent tracking with small rewards

2. Move More Each Day

Exercise doesn’t have to mean intense workouts. Consider these senior-friendly activities:

• Walking for 10 minutes after meals
• Chair exercises while watching TV
• Gentle stretching in the morning
• Water aerobics at your local senior center

Your Movement Plan

Week 1-2: Start with 5 minutes daily Week 3-4: Increase to 10 minutes Month 2: Add a second 10-minute sessionMonth 3: Try a new activity you enjoy

3. Improve Your Eating Habits

Instead of drastic diet changes, focus on small improvements:

Quarter 1: Portion Control

• Use smaller plates (9-inch instead of 12-inch)
• Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables
• Pre-portion snacks into small containers
• Eat slowly and mindfully

Quarter 2: Add More Fiber

• Switch to whole grain bread
• Add beans to soups and salads
• Choose brown rice over white
• Snack on raw vegetables

Quarter 3: Reduce Added Sugars

• Read labels for hidden sugars
• Choose water over sweetened drinks
• Try fresh fruit for dessert
• Use cinnamon instead of sugar in coffee

Quarter 4: Plan Ahead

• Prep meals on Sundays
• Keep healthy snacks visible
• Plan restaurant choices before going
• Create a go-to grocery list

4. Stay Connected with Your Healthcare Team

Make this the year you optimize your diabetes care:

• Schedule quarterly check-ups now
• Prepare questions before appointments
• Update your medication list monthly
• Join a diabetes support group

Medicare Wellness Tip

Take advantage of your free Annual Wellness Visit to discuss your diabetes management goals with your doctor.

5. Master Your Medications

Medication management becomes easier with good habits:

• Use a weekly pill organizer
• Set up automatic refills
• Review medications with your pharmacist quarterly
• Keep an updated list in your wallet

Cost-Saving Resolution

Review your Part D plan during Open Enrollment to ensure you’re getting the best coverage for your diabetes medications.

6. Prioritize Sleep

Better sleep means better blood sugar control:

• Aim for 7-8 hours nightly
• Keep consistent bedtime/wake times
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine
• Avoid screens 1 hour before bed

Sleep-Diabetes Connection

Poor sleep can raise blood sugar levels. Make quality rest a priority for better diabetes management.

7. Manage Stress Wisely

Stress affects blood sugar. Try these senior-friendly stress busters:

• Deep breathing exercises (5 minutes daily)
• Gentle yoga or tai chi
• Journaling your thoughts
• Connecting with friends regularly

8. Learn Something New

Knowledge is power in diabetes management:

• Attend a diabetes education class
• Learn to use technology tools (CGM apps)
• Try one new healthy recipe monthly
• Read about diabetes advances

Medicare covers diabetes self-management training. Ask your doctor for a referral.

9. Strengthen Your Support System

You don’t have to manage diabetes alone:

• Share your goals with family
• Find an exercise buddy
• Join online diabetes communities
• Attend local senior center activities

10. Practice Gratitude

A positive mindset supports better health:

• Write three things you’re grateful for daily
• Celebrate small victories
• Focus on what you can control
• Be kind to yourself on difficult days

Creating Your Personal Action Plan

January: Foundation Month

• Choose your top 2 resolutions
• Set up tracking systems
• Schedule healthcare appointments
• Stock up on supplies

February: Building Month

• Evaluate what’s working
• Adjust goals if needed
• Add one small new habit
• Celebrate early wins

March: Momentum Month

• Review progress with your doctor
• Share successes with support system
• Plan for potential obstacles
• Set next quarter’s goals

Tracking Your Success

Simple Tracking Ideas

• Use a wall calendar with stickers
• Create a simple checklist
• Use a free smartphone app
• Keep a small notebook handy

What to Track

• Daily blood sugar readings
• Minutes of activity
• Medication timing
• Sleep quality
• Mood and energy levels

Overcoming Common Obstacles

“I forgot my resolution”

Solution: Write it everywhere – bathroom mirror, refrigerator, phone wallpaper

“It’s too hard”

Solution: Make it smaller. Can’t walk 30 minutes? Start with 5.

“I don’t see results”

Solution: Look for non-scale victories like more energy or better sleep

“I’m too old to change”

Solution: You’re never too old to feel better! Small changes add up.

Resources to Support Your Resolutions

Free Resources

• Medicare.gov wellness resources
• CDC diabetes management tools
• Local senior center programs
• Library health education materials

Technology Helpers

• Medication reminder apps
• Step counting apps
• Healthy recipe websites
• Online support groups

Making Resolutions Stick

The 3 R’s Formula

1. Realistic: Can I do this with my current health?
2. Relevant: Will this improve my diabetes management?
3. Rewarding: How will I celebrate progress?

Your Resolution Commitment

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection – it’s progress. Every small step toward better diabetes management is a victory worth celebrating.

This Year, Resolve To:

• Be patient with yourself
• Celebrate small wins
• Ask for help when needed
• Focus on feeling better, not being perfect

Start Today, Not Tomorrow

The best time to start is now. Choose one small action from this list and do it today. Your future self will thank you!

Need Help with Your Diabetes Management Goals?

We’re here to support your New Year’s resolutions with Medicare-covered diabetes supplies.

Call Now: 727-831-3729