Healthy aging starts with taking care of yourself at every age
Parkland encourages older adults to stay active, engaged in their healthcare
Parkland encourages older adults to stay active, engaged in their healthcare
Growing older may bring changes, but it doesn’t mean giving up the people, activities and relationships that contribute to a healthy life, including a trusted healthcare team.
September is Healthy Aging and Fall Prevention Awareness month, an opportunity to encourage older adults to take an active role in their physical, mental and emotional well-being. Experts at Parkland Health say healthy aging isn’t about avoiding every health problem. It’s about making choices that help people maintain their health, independence and quality of life as they grow older.
“Healthy aging begins long before we consider ourselves old,” said LaTrica Rhynes-Hicks, PhD, MSG, CDP, Clinic Educator for the Center for Geriatric Care and Healthy Aging at Parkland. “The habits we develop, the relationships we maintain and the attention we give to our health can make a meaningful difference in how we experience the years ahead.”
Among the most important steps older adults can take are staying physically active, eating a nutritious diet, keeping the mind engaged, maintaining social connections and receiving regular preventive and medical care.
Physical activity can help older adults maintain strength, balance and mobility while reducing the risk of many chronic conditions. Activities don’t have to be strenuous to be beneficial. Walking, gardening, dancing and other activities that get the body moving can all contribute to better health.
Preventing falls also becomes increasingly important with age. Older adults should have regular vision checks and look for potential hazards in the home, including loose rugs, electrical cords, poor lighting and cluttered walkways. Staying physically active can also improve strength and balance.
Just as important is staying connected to others.
“Social connections are an important part of our overall health,” Dr. Rhynes-Hicks said. “Spending time with family and friends, participating in activities you enjoy, volunteering or simply making an effort to stay connected can benefit both emotional and physical well-being.”
Regular medical care also plays an increasingly important role as people age, particularly for those managing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or other chronic illnesses.
And for longtime Parkland patients approaching age 65, becoming eligible for Medicare doesn’t necessarily mean leaving behind the doctors and healthcare team they know and trust.
“Turning 65 is an important milestone, and healthcare coverage is one of the decisions people may be thinking about,” said James Perez, Parkland’s Vice President of Operations for Population Health. “If you’ve received your care at Parkland for years, talk with your care team and make sure you understand your options. Continuity of care can be especially valuable when your providers already know your medical history, your medications and the health issues you’ve been managing.”
Patients considering Medicare coverage should look carefully at their options and, if they want to continue receiving care at Parkland, determine whether Parkland and their current providers participate in the coverage they are considering. Parkland does not recommend a specific Medicare plan but can help patients understand what to look for as they make decisions about their healthcare coverage.
Medicare also provides preventive benefits that can help older adults stay on top of their health. People who are new to Medicare Part B are eligible for a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit during their first 12 months of coverage. The visit can include a review of medical and social history, recommended screenings and vaccines and other steps to help patients remain healthy.
Perez also encourages families to include older adults in conversations and decisions about their health and future.
“Healthy aging should be about continuing to live a life that is meaningful to you,” he said. “Ask questions, stay involved in decisions about your health and don’t assume that getting older means you must stop doing the things you enjoy. There is a lot we can do at every age to protect our health and maintain our independence.”
For more information about services for older adults and Parkland’s Geriatric team, visit Parkland’s website at www.parklandhealth.org.
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