checking-blood-pressure_SFK-8OzASs.jpg

Preventative Health Strategies for Seniors

August 26, 2020

As seniors age, their risk of disease and health problems increases.

Preventative strategies can help seniors live healthier lives with fewer risks. 60% of older adults manage two or more chronic conditions. Some conditions that affect seniors are preventable; others aren’t but may be improved if they are recognized early enough.

There are several preventative strategies seniors can use to protect their health and reduce their risks, including certain medical tests. It’s important for seniors to have these screenings performed.

Common Preventative Services for Seniors

Everyone Over 50:

  • Colorectal Cancer Screening

  • Annual Wellness Exam

  • Influenza Vaccine

  • High Blood Pressure Screening

  • Skin Check

  • Mental Health Checkups

Everyone Over 65:

  • Annual Pneumococcal Vaccines

  • Diabetes Screening • Thyroid Screening

  • Annual Vitamin D Test

  • Bone Density Scan

  • Semi-Annual Hearing Test

  • Annual Periodontal Exams

  • Shingles Vaccine

  • Annual Eye Exams

Women:

  • Over 45: Cholesterol Screening

  • Over 50: Annual Breast Cancer Screening, Pelvic Exam, and Pap Smear

  • Over 65: Osteoporosis Screening

Men:

  • Over 35: Cholesterol Screening

  • Over 50: Prostate Cancer Screening

How to Keep Track of Tests and Screenings

With so many steps to take for preventative care, it’s easy for some tests to be overlooked or forgotten. Seniors should keep track of which services they have had performed and when. Some helpful methods for tracking include:

  • Keep a checklist of annual screenings to be filled out each year

  • Ask for copies of test results to keep in a binder

  • Grant doctors’ offices permission to share files with each other electronically

  • Sign up for electronic health records websites used by doctors’ offices

  • Keep a long-term record of screenings, procedures, and other notable medical events to bring to annual wellness appointments

Other Preventative Health Strategies

Besides screenings, tests, and vaccinations, the top strategies seniors can use to prevent health problems include:

  • A healthy diet

  • Regular exercise

  • Getting rest

Top reasons to take preventative measures

Did you know some preventable diseases can develop without noticeable symptoms? That’s one reason why screenings are important. Other reasons to have screenings as an older adult include:

  • Might take actionable steps if warning signs of problems are detected

  • Possibly identify diseases early enough to treat them

  • Reduce the impact of some conditions

  • Improve the chances of living a long and healthy life

Home Care Tip

Many preventative services, like wellness exams or certain vaccines, are covered by most health insurance providers. Ask insurance providers for a full list of free services seniors can take advantage of.

Source: ClearCare Online

 
 

At EPAGA Home Care, our caregivers are thoroughly trained in providing care to seniors and those with disabilities, including making trips to the doctor’s office effortless.

For more information on how we can assist you or your loved one with services like visits to primary care physicians, please visit our services page at the link below.