Less than half the people who achieve their New Year’s resolution do it the first time. Don’t give up; this may be your year to achieve your goals. If you’ve been trying on your own, maybe it’s time you reached out for help.

Exercise programs are not hard to find. They’re offered through hospitals, clinics and community centers and need not be costly. Find a program that will maintain or improve cardiovascular fitness, joint flexibility, muscular strength and endurance. By joining a group, you’ll be more inclined to keep up the exercise on a regular basis. It will also help you learn how to properly use stationary bikes, treadmills, stair climbers, hand weights, and other equipment. Many programs are even directly tailored to individuals 50 and older. Their goal is to help older people achieve "functional fitness" by helping them remain independent and vital. Research suggests seniors who exercise regularly may be able to avoid, postpone, reduce or reverse declines in physical performance levels. Just a brief walk each day is a "step" in the right direction.

Secondly, losing weight is probably everyone’s top resolution, and can also be accomplished with help offered through weight management classes. Find an individualized or group program offered by a registered dietician or counselor that will help you understand what is causing excess weight, overeating or resistance to physical activity. You can also learn about how eating habits should change as you age. For example, there is a modified food pyramid for those age 70 and older which recommends fewer calories and servings, but more nutrient–dense foods. Again, many hospitals are an excellent source for such classes.

Even if you don’t attend a class to give you that "extra push," at least try to eat better and in the right amounts. Many people don’t understand the basics of cooking, or think that cooking involves making large quantities. But, it needn’t be complicated. Instead of cooking a large meal, make just a few items. Change your meal choices throughout the week to meet all your dietary needs. For salads, prewashed packaged salad greens can be a good alternative to buying heads of lettuce and cleaning and chopping all the vegetables.

Experts say, situations, not hunger, trigger a stress eater’s desire to overeat. Tips to break this pattern include taking a walk, run an errand or get involved in a hobby when the urge to eat is gaining momentum and develop new responses to the urge to overeat. One positive response would be to exercise, which will make you feel better and help you relax.

Another good resolution I would add to your list is to stay connected. Loneliness from living alone after the loss of your wife may be causing you stress, which is leading to more eating, smoking and a more sedentary lifestyle. Ways to stay connected include volunteering, to name just one. Focusing on helping those less fortunate can refresh your perspective.

I wish you all the best for the New Year. Resolutions are hard for everyone and require discipline for the long–term, but they can be an immense source of pride if you stay committed. It is important to gain control over your life, especially at your age.