--- title: How to build healthy habits that last description: How to build healthy habits that last image: https://blog.aspiralife.ca/hubfs/Healthy%20habits.jpg --- CONTACT US **0800 920 2222** Search Sienna [CONTACT US](https://www.aspiralife.ca/contact-us/)     **[1-866-959-4848](tel:+18669594848)** [![Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Aspira%20Logos/Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB.png?width=3368&height=1403&name=Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB.png "Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB")](https://www.aspiralife.ca/) - [Our Locations](https://www.aspiralife.ca/our-locations) - [Find your Local Community](https://www.aspiralife.ca/our-locations) - [Living Options](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options) - [Seniors Apartments](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/seniors-apartments/) - [Independent Living](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/independent-living/) - [Assisted Living](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/assisted-living/) - [Respite Care](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/respite-care/) - [Memory Care](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/memory-care/) - [Plan Your Move](https://www.aspiralife.ca/plan-your-move) - [How to Get Started](https://www.aspiralife.ca/plan-your-move/how-to-get-started/) - [Feature Webinars](https://www.aspiralife.ca/Plan-Your-Move/Feature-Webinars) - [Affordable Options](https://www.aspiralife.ca/plan-your-move/affordable-options/) - [FAQs](https://www.aspiralife.ca/plan-your-move/faqs/) - [About Us](https://www.aspiralife.ca/about-us) - [Essence of Aspira](https://www.aspiralife.ca/about-us/essence-of-aspira) - [Our Blogs](https://www.aspiralife.ca/about-us/our-blogs/) - [Leadership Team](https://www.aspiralife.ca/About-Us/Leadership-Team) - [Quality](https://www.aspiralife.ca/About-Us/Quality) Search Sienna ![hero-healthy-habits](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/hubfs/hero-healthy-habits.jpg "hero-healthy-habits") In a world where retirement signifies a new beginning, understanding how to nurture our health and happiness becomes pivotal. - - - [Retirement](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/senior-living-tips-and-resources/tag/retirement), [Video](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/senior-living-tips-and-resources/tag/video), [Helpful Guides](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/senior-living-tips-and-resources/tag/helpful-guides), [Wellness Tips](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/senior-living-tips-and-resources/tag/wellness-tips), [Webinar video series](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/senior-living-tips-and-resources/tag/webinar-video-series), [health tips](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/senior-living-tips-and-resources/tag/health-tips) ## How to build healthy habits that last January 8, 2024 In a world where retirement signifies a new beginning, understanding how to nurture our health and happiness becomes pivotal. Our recent webinar featured seasoned experts Meg Stickle and Andrew Craig. Their guidance offers a roadmap to a vibrant and fulfilling retirement lifestyle. If you would like to watch this webinar please [click here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UfruNmMLHw) ### **Motivation is key**Meg Stickle, with her rich background in gerontology and fitness, emphasizes the transformative power of habits in our daily lives. "Start by asking yourself what motivates you. We're all motivated in very different ways," she remarks, encouraging attendees to identify personal motivators that resonate with their goals. #### **Meg’s pillars for a healthier retirement** - **Initiate the journey:** "Just get started," Meg urges. She suggests beginning with manageable activities and gradually building a routine that fits into one's lifestyle. “I do encourage you to exercise daily.” - **Embrace your current abilities:** Recognizing and accepting one's physical capabilities is crucial, Meg advises. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals and avoiding discouraging comparisons to past abilities. “Aim for 150 minutes of exercise every week,” says Meg, who advises people to break that time into small 10 or 20-minute segments if necessary. - **Establish a routine:** Consistency in activities is key. Scheduling workouts or activities as one would a doctor's appointment can significantly enhance adherence to a healthy routine. “You mightn’t feel like doing it but I encourage you to do it anyway regardless of how you feel and over time it will become a good habit.” - **Do what you can do:** Start slow and pace yourself. Overexerting yourself when exercising can set you back on your journey so Meg says “be kind with yourself and don’t try and push yourself beyond what you can do.” - **Choose your time, enjoy the process and celebrate what you do:** Understanding that health and fitness is a journey, not a destination, is vital. Meg reminds us to “enjoy the process” and “celebrate what you do” as we pass each phase of our health journey. And choosing a designated time will help you exercise more regularly. ### **Culinary Wellness in Retirement Living** Andrew Craig -  an expert in nutrition - is the National Director of Hospitality and Culinary Service at Aspira Retirement Living. He underscores how crucial it is to use fresh, seasonal ingredients in Aspira's communities. “It’s important for us to use fresh, quality ingredients in order to create healthy and delicious choices for our residents,” he notes, highlighting the balance of nutritious and enjoyable meals. #### **Engaging in community dining** Andrew advocates for active participation in communal dining experiences. He believes that sharing meals is not just about nutrition but also about building relationships and fostering a sense of community. ### The power of community and social engagementMeg and Andrew both highlighted the importance of community involvement in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This is not surprising as socializing is scientifically proven to improve mental health. Meg suggests forming groups or finding a fitness buddy to stay motivated. Andrew, on the other hand, highlighted the positive impacts of shared dining experiences. ### **Recap** This webinar was more than just a discussion; it was a call to action for all seeking a more fulfilling retirement life. The challenge lies in cultivating positive habits that enhance our well-being in retirement. In embracing these lessons, we step into a retirement phase filled not just with years, but with life and vigor. According to Meg, it’s about taking those small, consistent steps towards a lifestyle that brings joy, health, and a sense of accomplishment. If you would like to watch this webinar please [click here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UfruNmMLHw) ![Discussing Senior Living with a Loved One Aspira Retirement Living_Page1](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Discussing%20Senior%20Living%20with%20a%20Loved%20One%20Aspira%20Retirement%20Living_Page1.jpg?width=200&height=259&name=Discussing%20Senior%20Living%20with%20a%20Loved%20One%20Aspira%20Retirement%20Living_Page1.jpg) Wondering what comes next or need more advice? [Download our Guide for Loved Ones](https://info.aspiralife.ca/discussing-senior-living-with-a-loved-one-free-guide) to learn more. [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%2Fsenior-living-tips-and-resources%2Fhow-to-build-healthy-habits-that-last%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%2Fsenior-living-tips-and-resources%2Fhow-to-build-healthy-habits-that-last%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) ### Subscribe to Emails ### Popular Stories [How do I know if it’s time to consider a retirement home or senior living?](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/senior-living-tips-and-resources/how-do-i-know-if-its-time-to-consider-a-retirement-home-or-senior-living) October 04, 2021 [Do retirement homes allow pets?](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/senior-living-tips-and-resources/do-retirement-homes-allow-pets) July 12, 2021 [What are my senior living options?](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/senior-living-tips-and-resources/what-are-my-senior-living-options) October 18, 2021 [Tips for choosing the right senior apartment](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/senior-living-tips-and-resources/tips-for-choosing-the-right-senior-apartment) December 02, 2024 [Myth Buster: What are the meals like in a retirement home?](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/senior-living-tips-and-resources/what-are-the-meals-like-in-a-retirement-home) April 18, 2022 ### Popular Tags - [Retirement (42)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/retirement) - [Retirement Living (42)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/retirement-living) - [Retirement Residence (26)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/retirement-residence) - [Inspirational Life (19)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/inspirational-life) - [Senior Living Options (18)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/senior-living-options) - [Independent Living (17)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/independent-living) - [Milestone Stories (12)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/milestone-stories) - [Ontario (11)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/ontario) - [Centenarians (10)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/centenarians) - [Awards & Achievements (7)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/awards-achievements) ### Subscribe to our Blog! ## Related Posts [Retirement](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/senior-living-tips-and-resources/tag/retirement) - - - ## [The power of connection: How social activities keep you healthy](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/senior-living-tips-and-resources/the-power-of-connection-how-social-activities-keep-you-healthy) January 8, 2024 If there’s one truth about aging well, it’s that our minds and bodies were never meant to do it alone. Staying socially connected, mentally curious,... [Retirement](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/senior-living-tips-and-resources/tag/retirement) - - - ## [Pull up a chair: Why sharing meals can add years to your life](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/senior-living-tips-and-resources/pull-up-a-chair-why-sharing-meals-can-add-years-to-your-life) January 8, 2024 Gathering around the family table for a meal is often viewed as a quaint tradition. The truth is, it’s actually an effective medicine. [Centenarians](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/senior-living-tips-and-resources/tag/centenarians) - - - ## [Tips to help you become a centenarian](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/senior-living-tips-and-resources/tips-to-help-you-become-a-centenarian) January 8, 2024 When choosing senior living in Barrie, Ontario, it is important to know that the city combines natural beauty with urban convenience. Located about... ### Our Locations - [Find Your Local Community](https://www.aspiralife.ca/our-locations/) ### Our Living Options - [Senior Apartments](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/senior-apartments/) - [Independent Living](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/independent-living/) - [Assisted Living](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/assisted-living/) - [Respite Care](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/respite-care/) - [Memory Care](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/memory-care/) ### Plan Your Move - [Getting Started](https://www.aspiralife.ca/plan-your-move/how-to-get-started/) - [Affordable Options](https://www.aspiralife.ca/Plan-Your-Move/Feature-Webinars) - [Aspira Resources](https://www.aspiralife.ca/plan-your-move/affordable-options/) - [FAQS](https://www.aspiralife.ca/plan-your-move/faqs/) ### About Us - [Essence of Aspira](https://www.aspiralife.ca/About-Us/Essence-of-Aspira) - [Our Blogs](https://www.aspiralife.ca/about-us/our-blogs/) - [Our Affiliations](https://www.aspiralife.ca/About-Us/Our-Affiliations) - [Leadership Team](https://www.aspiralife.ca/About-Us/Leadership-Team) - [Quality](https://www.aspiralife.ca/About-Us/Quality) - [For Investors](https://www.aspiralife.ca/About-Us/Sienna-Senior-Living) - [Join Our Team](https://www.aspiralife.ca/About-Us/Sienna-Senior-Living) [![Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Aspira%20Logos/Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB.png?width=145&height=60&name=Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB.png "Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB")](https://www.aspiralife.ca) - [Privacy Policy](https://aspiralife.ca/legals/privacy-notice/) - [Sienna Senior Living](https://www.aspiralife.ca/about-us/sienna-senior-living/) - © 2022 - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.aspiralife.ca/legals/terms-conditions/) - [Accessibility](https://www.aspiralife.ca/legals/accessibility/) - [Sitemap](https://www.aspiralife.ca/sitemap/) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%2Fsenior-living-tips-and-resources%2Fhow-to-build-healthy-habits-that-last%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%2Fsenior-living-tips-and-resources%2Fhow-to-build-healthy-habits-that-last%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on twitter](https://7528304.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528304/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/twitter-color.png?width=24&name=twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%2Fsenior-living-tips-and-resources%2Fhow-to-build-healthy-habits-that-last%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%2Fsenior-living-tips-and-resources%2Fhow-to-build-healthy-habits-that-last%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on pinterest](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/pinterest-color.png?width=24&name=pinterest-color.png)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%2Fsenior-living-tips-and-resources%2Fhow-to-build-healthy-habits-that-last%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on email](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check+out+https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%2Fsenior-living-tips-and-resources%2Fhow-to-build-healthy-habits-that-last%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail&body=Check+out+https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%2Fsenior-living-tips-and-resources%2Fhow-to-build-healthy-habits-that-last%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail)