(BPT) - As the year comes to a close, this is an important time for older adults to take stock of their health and make sure they're up to date on important preventive care appointments. Spending a little time on prevention now can help identify potential health concerns early and support healthy aging.
Routine primary care is a key aspect of maintaining health and independence for older adults. In fact, adults in the U.S. who have a primary care provider have 19% lower odds of premature death than those who only see specialists for their healthcare. Furthermore, Americans who reach age 65 can expect to live an average of nearly 20 more years — making preventive care an important investment in your overall health.
"It's best to be proactive about your health, rather than waiting until you don't feel well to seek care," said Adult Nurse Practitioner Jean Reidy, Oak Street Health. "Maintaining regular wellness visits, vaccinations and screenings are all positive steps you can take today, to help you stay healthier tomorrow."
Here are Reidy's tips for taking better care of your health this time of year.
Schedule your annual wellness visit
One of the most important appointments Medicare beneficiaries can schedule is their Annual Wellness Visit with their primary care provider. These appointments give older adults an opportunity to sit down with their care team, update their personalized care plans, review their medical history and check key health indicators such as blood pressure.
"The annual wellness visit can also help healthcare providers identify concerns that aren't always easy to spot, including changes in mood or memory," said Reidy.
Get caught up on vaccinations
Being up to date on recommended vaccinations remains one of the most effective tools for staying healthy, especially as flu season begins. Older adults should talk with their healthcare provider about which vaccines are right for them, including influenza (flu), COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia, RSV and other age-appropriate immunizations.
Ask about preventive screenings
Because many serious conditions may not cause noticeable symptoms early on, keeping up with preventive screenings is vital. Depending on age, risk factors, plus medical and family history, older adults may need screenings for colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, osteoporosis and other health conditions.
Don't forget about mental health
Taking care of mental health deserves as much attention as physical health. Especially heading into the darker winter months, older adults should be aware of any changes in their mood, increased isolation or symptoms of depression.
"Addressing any of these types of changes with your healthcare provider early can make it easier to find the right support and resources," added Reidy.
Where to find preventive care
At Oak Street Health, care teams take a team-based approach to preventive care. In addition to primary care providers, patients have access to behavioral health specialists, social workers and other team members who help address their physical, emotional and social needs all in one convenient location.
"Staying on top of your health can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be," said Reidy. "The best place to start is by scheduling your annual wellness visit, which can help you better understand your health needs and create a personalized care plan for the year ahead."
Visit OakStreetHealth.com to learn more and find location near you.
