Healthcare Providers as Catalysts for Healthy Aging

Tammie Smeltz, RPLU, Content Marketing Manager

With increasing lifespans, healthy aging is becoming a top priority. Healthcare providers are essential in helping patients enjoy a fulfilling and vibrant retirement.

Here’s a look at how healthcare providers can support healthy aging:

Preventive Care and Early Intervention

• Regular Check-ups: Regular physical exams are essential for identifying potential health issues early on. Encouraging yearly physical exams allows the healthcare provider to monitor and assess blood pressure, cholesterol and Hemoglobin A1C.
• Vaccinations: Staying up to date with vaccinations can protect against diseases that can significantly impact older adults. The CDC recommends COVID-19, influenza, pneumococcal and Tdap/TD vaccines for adults over 65 years of age. Additionally, the CDC recommends the Shingles vaccine for patients over 50 years of age.
• Screenings: Regular screenings for conditions like cancer, heart disease and diabetes can help detect and address them early on. Other screenings to consider are hearing loss evaluations for patients over 60 years of age, bone density testing for women starting at age 65 and memory testing.

Lifestyle Counseling

• Diet and Nutrition: Healthcare providers can provide guidance on balanced diets, hydration and the importance of nutrient-dense foods. Incorporating fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as limiting processed foods, may enhance cellular vitality and improve cell efficiency.  
• Physical Activity: Exercise can lower a patient’s risk of a number of health issues, such as coronary artery disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and even some cancers! Encouraging regular exercise, even if it’s just moderate-intensity activities, can improve physical and mental health.
• Stress Management: Techniques like mindfulness, meditation and deep breathing can help manage stress and promote overall well-being. There are many apps and online resources available that allow a person to dedicate time to meditation and breathing exercises in a safe space such as their home. For several reasons, sitting still, a fundamental aspect of meditation and breathing exercises, can be difficult for some people. Other mindfulness activities such as nature walks, journaling and music therapy cultivate positive emotions, thereby decreasing stress.

Medication Management

• Reviewing Medications: As people age, their medication needs may change. Regular reviews can help ensure that medications are still effective and safe. The combination of numerous medications often prescribed to older adults can have unintended consequences, including cognitive impairment.
• Polypharmacy: Physicians can help identify and address polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications that can increase the risk of adverse side effects. Additional considerations are necessary when prescribing psychoactive medications. The American Medical Association (AMA) recommends starting slow by prescribing half of a typical starting dose. It is also recommended to keep the Beers Criteria in mind when treating patients over 65 years of age. In addition, patients should be encouraged to only use one pharmacy to obtain their medications.

Addressing Chronic Conditions

• Disease Management: For patients with chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes or heart disease, physicians can provide personalized management plans. According to the CDC, chronic diseases are the leading causes of illness, disability and death in the United States. Addressing chronic disease and providing a personalized care plan not only provides a better quality of life for seniors, but it is also cost-effective.
• Symptom Relief: Helping patients manage symptoms can improve their quality of life and prevent complications, especially when it pertains to chronic pain. MLMIC recognizes the complexity of treating patients suffering from chronic pain and has developed several risk management tips to address this issue. To review our risk management tips, look here.

Social and Emotional Well-being

• Social Connection: Retirement can disrupt long-established routines, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Encouraging social interaction and activities can help mitigate these risks. By assisting retirees in building new daily schedules, exploring new hobbies or volunteering, healthcare providers can reduce the likelihood of loneliness later in life. This can also help alleviate sleep disturbances and identity crises that often accompany retirement transitions.
• Emotional Support: Providing emotional support and understanding can make a significant difference in a patient’s overall well-being.

By taking a holistic approach to healthcare, healthcare providers can empower their patients to age gracefully and maintain a high quality of life.

If you are not already a MLMIC insured, learn more about us here.

Sources:

1. https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/bhi-older-adults-practice-guide.pdf
2. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/01/03/health-checklist-every-age/
3. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/its-never-too-late-five-healthy-steps-at-any-age
4. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/adult-easyread.html
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24946-beers-criteria
6. https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/priorities/index.html
7. https://www.mlmic.com/blog/recommendations-for-managing-patients-with-chronic-pain/

This document is for general purposes only and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. This document is not comprehensive and does not cover all possible factual circumstances. Because the facts applicable to your situation may vary, or the laws applicable in your jurisdiction may differ, please contact your attorney or other professional advisors for any questions related to legal, medical or professional obligations, the applicable state or federal laws or other professional questions.