It’s that time of the year again… when we either set New Year’s resolutions for ourselves to strive to thrive, or give up on them entirely because, let’s face it, they never really get realised and become a bit of a joke. Gym membership cards get swiped enthusiastically for three weeks, then buried under receipts; kale smoothies get traded in for salted caramel lattes and kaya toast by February. The truth is, most resolutions fail because they lack one key ingredient: the right knowledge to bank on.

Can we really turn resolutions from just lofty ideas to realistic goals that set the foundation for long-term health and success? What if, instead of chasing trends, you focused on things you know that truly matter? Here’s my take – rooted in years of seeing what works and what doesn’t – running an independent rehab therapy team, Lifeweavers, operating outside the mainstream healthcare narratives and having worked with clients of all walks of complex medical conditions.

Too often, New Year’s resolutions revolve around isolated metrics: losing 10kg, hitting 10,000 steps a day, or surviving the festivities. While these goals have their merits, they don’t tackle the deeper, systemic factors that underpin lasting health. True change happens when we have a clear view of health holistically, considering not just the goals we imagined, but clearly understanding you, how your life and the things around you affect you.

For instance, the World Health Organisation estimates that physical inactivity contributes to over 5 million deaths annually, making it one of the top risk factors for chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. But here’s the catch: simply signing up for a gym won’t change the sedentary habits ingrained in our daily routines. Instead, we need to reframe activities as part of our lifestyle to own it and keep it going.

Or, let’s talk about diet. Newer research is linking not just what and how we eat to a cascade of health challenges, from cancers to Alzheimer’s, now dubbed “Type 3 Diabetes” due to its ties to insulin resistance. The gut, often called the “second brain,” also plays a critical role, impacting mood, immunity, and both cognitive and physical performance. Ignoring this aspect of health while focusing solely on physical goals is like trying to fix a leaky roof while ignoring the cracked foundation.

I would also like to share some interesting but concerning insights from things we observed in the recent years at Lifeweavers…

The Young Stroke Epidemic: A Wake-Up Call

If you think health concerns like strokes are reserved for seniors, think again. In recent years, we’ve witnessed something troubling: strokes are affecting younger individuals at an alarming rate. Our team has met clients in their early 30s – educated, high flying professionals who are regularly active even – suddenly grappling with life-altering health events they never saw coming.

This isn’t just anecdotal. A study in the journal Stroke reported a 25% increase in stroke incidents among adults aged 20-44 over the last two decades. The culprits? We don’t really know to be honest but it seems like chronic stress and diet seem to play a part.

One client I’ll never forget was a 34-year-old executive who believed he was “too young” to worry about his health. His days were filled with high-pressure meetings, late-night suppers, and endless screen time. He ignored persistent headaches and fatigue until a mild stroke forced him to reevaluate everything. His story isn’t unique, and it’s a cautionary tale for all of us: listen to your body, and don’t wait for a health crisis to make a change.

Seniors and the Sedentary Trap: A Cultural Mindset to Break

On the other end of the spectrum, let’s talk about our seniors. In many Southeast Asian cultures, there’s an act of filial piety that urges families to relieve the older folks from “doing too much”. With the best of intentions, this encourages elderly members from doing less household chores , thinking it’s kinder to let them rest. But this well-meaning mindset can be dangerously counterproductive to their health and contributes to quicker declines.

The science is clear: physical activity is crucial for maintaining mobility, independence, and mental sharpness as we age. According to the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, seniors who engage in regular exercise reduce their risk of falls by up to 35%, while also staving off depression and cognitive decline. Yet, in Singapore, nearly one-third of seniors aged 60 and above report being physically inactive, according to a 2021 Ministry of Health report.

It’s time to shift our thinking. Encourage your parents or grandparents to maintain or build strength, improve mobility and have an active day to look forward to. Longevity isn’t just about movement – it’s about preserving meaning in life to spur motivation, and that goes a long way.

Sustainable Resolutions: Health Is a Family Affair

If you’re wondering where to start, here’s my advice: make health a shared family resolution. Research from the Journal of Behavioral Medicine shows that health goals are significantly more likely to succeed when pursued collectively. Why? Because accountability and support amplify commitment. Imagine swapping out Sunday brunch for a family hike, or having weekly “wellness check-ins” where everyone shares their progress and struggles.

Creating a healthier household is not so simple. Build a culture of health that benefits every member of the family. We’ve seen how a multidisciplinary team – where dietitians, therapists and other professionals collaborate to design a plan for entire families in our Total Health For Whole Family program. The first step would be sitting down together to discuss your goals with an occupational therapist to make a plan together.

The True Cost of Health (or Ill Health)

If you’re still on the fence about investing in your health, consider this: the cost of preventing illness is almost always lower than treating it. A 2019 study in the American Journal of Public Health found that every $1 spent on preventive healthcare saves $5 in future medical costs. And in Singapore, where healthcare expenses can soar for conditions such as stroke rehabilitation (easily running into the tens of thousands), this is no small consideration.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned through my work is that health is a worthy investment. Saving yourself from medical bills is one thing but ensuring you can live your life to the fullest is priceless. Imagine being able to keep up with your social circles and feeling energised every day to do anything you want. That’s the kind of return on investment no stock market can match. (Although a proper insurance plan won’t hurt to hedge your bets.)

Let’s Make Resolutions Great Again

This New Year, let’s reject the shoot-in-the-dark mindset that dooms most resolutions. Instead, be knowledgeable and set goals that will lead to sustainable change. Here are three resolutions to consider:

Listen to your body. Don’t ignore the signs it gives you. Seek balanced professional advice if needed; prevention is always better than cure. Ask about the bio-psycho-social model of health for a more holistic view.
Don’t take activities away from the seniors. In fact, encourage them that it’s not too late to build strength and mobility. Seek the support of an occupational or physiotherapist if needed.
Look into health as a whole family. Sit down with your loved ones, set shared goals, and support each other. Teamwork makes the dream work.

Let’s make 2025 the year we finally stop making resolutions we can’t keep. Let’s aim for change that’s not only achievable but transformative. Health isn’t a trend; it’s a lifelong journey – and one worth taking together.

Contributed by Norm Ng, Co-founder of Lifeweavers Therapy Co.

Images: Envato