The votes are in and according to an international survey the top three New Year's resolutions for 2021 are to prioritise health and measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, spend more time with loved ones and to appreciate the little things more.
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It can take many people a lifetime to realise the importance of these things.
However, living through 2020 - the year of the unexpected - has given us all a crash course in what matters most in life.
New Year's resolutions aren't just for the young. There's plenty of scope for older people to set themselves achievable New Year's resolutions.
While 2020 may have put a dampener on some of the more grandiose plans and goals for 2021 (international travel anyone?) there's still a lot that can be pursued right here at home. From getting fitter and eating better, to learning a new skill, reconnecting with an old friend, or just finding more time for ourselves.
If you're a retiree or grandparent who spends their days minding grandchildren you can resolve to improve the balance in your life - for example, by committing to taking some time out to revitalise and refuel.
Reading, listening to music, taking up a craft project or doing a yoga class is something you can fit into an hour or two each day and will deliver physical, intellectual and emotional benefits.
Similarly, if you are caring for an ageing loved one, don't forget your own needs.
Resolve to ask for help - there are people who can help you, give you respite and ease your daily caregiving responsibilities.
You may want to join a support group, where you can share your challenges and frustrations with others walking the same path, and also make new friends.
If you are retired with fewer responsibilities and are footloose and fancy free, this might be the perfect opportunity to explore new passions, interests, hobbies and experiences.
Make a resolution to optimise your independence by trying something new, learning something you've always wanted to learn or visiting a place you've always wanted to visit each month. Perhaps you could indulge in a little self-expression through art, cooking, meditation, swimming or yoga.
It could also be a great time to learn a language, start writing a journal, or reignite your passion for a pastime you once loved but never had time for.
If you want to use your retirement to give back to your community, you could resolve to become a volunteer.
While volunteering may look a little different this year due to COVID there are still plenty of opportunities where you can make a valuable difference.
Volunteering at your local aged care centre as a visitor wellness check officer, training to become a Lifeline phone counsellor and providing counselling once a week or walking dogs for the local RSPCA are just some of the volunteer activities available in most communities that are consistently looking for help.
Volunteering gives you a sense of accomplishment, increases self-confidence and connects you with like-minded individuals, which is great for your mental well-being.
If your goal is to get back into better shape, make it more achievable by breaking your resolutions down into bite-sized goals.
"Eat more green vegetables", "have a piece of fruit with every lunch" or "walk for 10 minutes each day" can make getting healthier less overwhelming.
Over the course of a month you can increase your exercise time by a few minutes a day. Get friends or family involved if that helps motivate you!
Even if your priorities and lifestyle might have changed as you've aged, it's easy to adjust your New Year's resolutions to suit your circumstances. Even if you break all or some of them, you will reap the benefits from those you manage to keep.
You might resolve to reconnect with an old friend who you have lost contact with as life has pulled you in different directions.
Make this happen by committing to learn how to use new technology and send an email or reach out via Facebook or another social media platform.
Or you might like to take the time to write a good old fashioned letter instead.
However you reach out, resolve to keep in touch and possibly schedule a get-together (or video call) in the near future.
Even if your priorities and lifestyle might have changed as you've aged, it's easy to adjust your New Year's resolutions to suit your circumstances.
Even if you break all or some of them, you will reap the benefits from those you manage to keep.
- Patrick Reid is IRT Group CEO
