SENIOR CONSULTATION BY JANET ROOKS Janet Rooks, Clinical Social Worker and Parrish Senior Solutions Coordinator TO GET YOU THINKING ... Start working on your goals today by answering these questions. SMART GOALS Work with your physician on a plan for better well-being Taking care of your health is up to you. It comes down to making the right choices every day. One choice is to involve your primary care physician in developing a plan to help you reach your goals. He or she can help you achieve your personal dreams by learning how to change habits. SMART is a handy acronym for the five characteristics of welldesigned goals. 3 Specific. Goals should be straightforward and emphasize what you want to happen. 3 Measurable. If you can't measure it, you can't manage it. 3 Achievable. Begin to figure out ways you can make your goals come true. 3 Realistic. Are your goals doable? 3 Timed. Set a time frame for the goal. 8 SP RIN G 2 0 1 8 Question: Why did I choose this goal? Example: I want to be healthier and be around for my grandchildren. My answer: Question: What change would help me reach my goal? Example: Adding activity: I'll take a walk for a half-hour five days a week. My answer: Question: How important is it to me to reach my goal? Example: It is very important. My answer: Question: How sure am I that I can reach this change? Example: Very sure = 10. Not sure at all = 1. My answer: Question: What part of this change will be hard for me? Example: I tried to quit smoking once and failed. My answer: TOP LEFT PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES Goals can be about your health and wellbeing and relate to or affect daily life. Examples include getting six hours of sleep on most nights or walking at least one block most days of the week. Goals can be behavioral, having to do with changing a specific behavior or a pattern of behavior. Examples include stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet, attending all medical appointments and completing recommended tests and screenings to remain healthy. Goals can identify services needed. Examples include installing grab bars in showers or a ramp at the entrance of your home to improve mobility. These goals can be steps toward overall improved health and well-being. Talk to your primary care physician to help you define goals that are right for you. He or she can help you prioritize and break down long-term goals into smaller ones. Your primary care physician can also describe and document goals based on your needs-to help you set your own SMART goals. It is never too late to create the life you want. Whether you're 25 or 85, you can evaluate your life and set new goals. You can do it! You deserve it! You are worth it! ■ Question: What is my goal? Example: I want to reduce my blood pressure. My answer: