The new year often serves as an arbitrary measure of the passage of time. It invites people to look inside and reflect back on the previous year, often prompting the desire to push yourself to new limits. No matter your age, there is always room for goal setting and self-improvement in all areas of life. If you find yourself feeling that urge to make some changes, then you’re in the right spot! New Orleans is a city that offers inspiration around every corner, providing seniors with the opportunity to connect with other people and explore new things. With its vibrant culture and rich history, the Crescent City is the perfect place to try out new activities this year.
Commit to Community Involvement
The Big Easy has long been known for its laid back personality and welcoming community. Giving back to the community is a resolution that can benefit everyone.
Shop Local
A fun and easy way to give back to your community is by supporting local businesses. Shopping family-owned stores and local boutiques helps the local economy flourish. Simply changing your grocery store is a small way to make a big impact.
Volunteer
Volunteering has countless benefits at both a community and a personal level. Spending time at a local hospital, food bank, or shelter not only provides support to those in need but also gives seniors a sense of purpose and a means of social interaction.
Mentor or Tutor
Seniors have a lot of wisdom, experience, and perspective to share with those around them. What better way to spread this gift than by serving as a mentor or tutor to local youth or even adults in need.
Prioritize Wellness
Undoubtedly one of the most common resolutions is to improve your health! Every year, Americans across the country resolve to eat better, exercise more, drink more water, take more steps… the list goes on! As you age, you realize just how important your health truly is, so what better time to prioritize it than now? This year, make health and wellness a priority, with a NOLA touch!
Get Outdoors
New Orleans is fortunate to have so many beautiful parks that are suited to physical activity. The walking paths winding throughout the majestic oaks in both Audubon Park and City Park serve as inviting venues to get your daily exercise.
Indulge in Self Care
If your budget allows, treat yourself to a couple of spa services over the course of the new year. New Orleans has many beautiful spas throughout the city where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy being pampered. Tighter budget? No problem! You can still enjoy self care in other ways. Consider a relaxing float down Bayou St. John in a kayak or a morning sunrise over Lake Pontchartrain. Furthermore, journaling on a park bench or meeting a friend for a cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde are other options to unwind and practice self-care.
Group Fitness
With the new year, consider pushing your comfort level and join a fitness group. New Orleans offers a wide variety of fitness options that are sure to accommodate your unique interests, your budget, and your fitness level. This is also a great way to connect with others, form new friendships, and increase your social engagement.
Celebrate the Arts
Engaging with the arts is beneficial for seniors on countless levels, but far beyond just for simple enjoyment and pleasure. Music, art, theatre, and dance all provide lasting effects on seniors’ physical, social, mental, and emotional health. Such activities stimulate the brain, encourage mindfulness, and reduce stress, among other benefits. New Orleans is the perfect place to explore the arts, whether as a spectator or hands-on.
Live Music Encounters
Preservation Hall and the Saenger Theatre are two iconic venues to enjoy live music and theatrical productions. However, New Orleans also offers less formal opportunities to enjoy the arts, making it suitable for all budgets. You can enjoy free concerts in Jackson Square or performances at local free festivals throughout the year. Even a casual walk throughout the French Quarter is an opportunity to stumble upon street performers.
Explore Local Art
Local vendors, art galleries, and museums are also plentiful in New Orleans. You can explore art throughout the local galleries and engage with street vendors at no cost, or for a discounted senior rate, you can walk through the New Orleans Museum of Art.
Channel Your Inner Artist
The beautiful thing about art is that everyone is an artist! Art often tells a story and is a wonderful way for you to express yourself. You can take up painting or photography with local classes offered throughout the city. The new year is also a wonderful time to commit to learning how to play an instrument.
You are never too old to try something new, explore hidden talents, or strive for self-improvement. There’s inspiration all around you, especially here in New Orleans. Begin the new year with a fresh outlook and step outside of your comfort zone. A year from now, you may just look back and thank yourself for the positive changes you made!