The time for new healthy resolutions is at hand. Have you given thought to what your New Year’s resolutions are going to be? You may not be surprised to hear many people fall by the wayside with their resolutions by February. Over half of those who make resolutions have given up six months in. Sadly, if you are over 50, you are in a group known not to achieve the resolution. According to one statistic, only 14 percent of people older than 50 actually achieve their resolutions. Those in their 20s have a better chance – 39 percent.

Here are a few healthy resolutions you can stick to when you set realistic goals and commit to making some serious changes:

  1. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. If you are like most Americans, you will probably gain a few pounds over the holidays. Make up your mind to lose them and a few more. Set a weekly goal and work to achieve it. Losing a pound or two a week may seem like ridiculously slow weight loss, but losing weight slowly is actually the best way to keep it off.
  2. Eat healthier foods. If you eat a lot of processed foods, you probably are not aware of the toll it is taking on your body. Change your eating habits and slowly incorporate more whole foods. Fruits and vegetables are not only good for you, but you’ll also feel better and look better as you start munching on more veggies, especially if they are organic.
  3. Get active. Americans are some of the most sedentary people on the planet. Get moving, even if it is only a few times a week. Grab a partner and go dancing, join a local sports team or take to the golf course. Get your body moving, and you will feel better; you may lose a few pounds as a bonus.
  4. Practice mindfulness meditation. This change may be instrumental in helping you make and sustain the other changes in your life. Not only that, it can also help relieve stress and lower blood pressure. Studies have been done on the benefits of meditation. A few minutes a day can make a big difference in your outlook and your outcomes, as well.
  5. Hydrate regularly. In other words, drink your full daily requirement of water. This one item can do a lot to improve your health. Headaches, dry flaky skin, mood swings and other issues can often be helped and in some cases eliminated by drinking enough water.

Of course, there are plenty of other healthy resolutions you can make. Whichever ones you choose, plan out how you will achieve them and stick to them. Get an accountability buddy to check in with on a regular basis. Find support and let people know what you are doing, and that you would like to be held accountable. Find ways to support your success, and if you’re 50 or more years old, you’ll be part of the 14 percent who see success. If you’re younger, you’ll be part of the successful percentage too.

All of us at Frohlich, Gordon & Beason, P.A., wish you a very happy and safe New Year.