New Year’s Day just passed us, and after the busyness of the holidays, many Louisville families are ready for something a little more low-key. Since Christmas often goes all-out, the New Year can be a great opportunity to slow down, reset, and reconnect—especially for caregivers and older adults. I shared a full series on New Year’s reflections last year if you’d like to revisit that, and this year I wanted to highlight a few simple, meaningful ways to welcome the year ahead.
Vision Boards
Vision boards are a simple, creative way to reflect on what you want to bring into the new year. This can be done alone or with family—adult children, grandchildren, or even caregivers who spend time in the home. All you need is paper or posterboard, scissors, glue or tape, and a few magazines or newspapers. Cut out images or words that represent goals, feelings, or experiences you’d like to focus on. If you’re doing this together, invite everyone to share what their board represents—it can be a great way to spark conversation and connection.
Writing Your Resolutions
Resolutions don’t have to be big to be meaningful. Keeping them realistic and visible can make a real difference. For caregivers especially, even small intentions—like taking regular breaks or asking for help sooner—can support long-term well-being. The AARP caregiving resource center offers helpful guidance on balancing caregiving responsibilities with personal goals.
Self-Care After the Holidays
The New Year is also a good time to recover from the holidays. Self-care can look different for everyone—enjoying a warm cup of tea, keeping the decorations up a little longer, or tidying one small part of the house. For Louisville families supporting aging loved ones, this kind of reset can be especially important. If you’re feeling stretched thin, you may also find it helpful to read our related post on knowing when it’s time for extra help with an aging parent.
How did you celebrate the New Year?
Written by Brigid Coffey
