As we age, we become more susceptible to certain illnesses. Our immune systems begin to weaken, leaving us open to catching certain things that we may not have worried about as much when we were younger, such as:
- Common colds
- The flu
- Pneumonia
We also have to worry about certain ailments and illnesses that come with old age. Arthritis and osteoporosis, among others, can have quick and debilitating onsets and effects. Certain age-related illnesses cannot be stopped, but they can be managed easily with lifestyle changes.
The writers at MedicareInsurance.com are on a mission to help you navigate your golden years in as happy and healthy a manner as possible. Today, they’ve shared with us some of the best ways that you, as a senior citizen, can best manage rising health issues.
1: Proper Diet and Exercise Go a Long Way
Preventive healthcare provider visits and medications can be a big help in warding off the effects of serious health issues for seniors. However, one often-overlooked element (well, technically two elements) can provide preventive power against health issues that providers and medications cannot.
Maintaining a proper diet and getting plenty of exercise can keep you feeling good as you age. If you’re eligible for Medicare, certain plans have made it easier than ever for you to eat healthier and get in some needed movement. Medicare Advantage plans offered in certain areas may provide the following benefits for qualifying beneficiaries:
- Free membership in the SilverSneakers senior fitness program.
- Discounted memberships for gyms and fitness centers in your area.
- A grocery benefit to help you purchase healthy and nutritious foods.
Of course, we’re not discounting medical intervention to help with age-related health issues. Sometimes, medical intervention is absolutely necessary. However, many age-related ailments and illnesses can be held back by simply getting regular exercise and eating right.
2: Schedule Regular Preventive Health Screenings
Our cars need regular tune-ups to keep them running strong for years to come. On that same note, if we want to live long, healthy lives, we need regular checkups.
Yearly checkups and preventive screenings can help us maintain an optimal quality of life into our senior years. These screenings can help you catch anything from common age-related issues, such as arthritis, to more serious issues, such as cancer. Many of us try to get out of these types of things as often as possible, but yearly screenings and checkups are invaluable to our health and well-being.
Many seniors avoid regular checkups because they’re afraid of having to pay a high cost. If you’re a beneficiary of Original Medicare, your Medicare Part B insurance will cover most, if not all, of the expenses related to getting your yearly checkup. Medicare Advantage plans can offer the same coverage as well.
3: Stay On Top of Taking Your Medications
Having to take morning meds is a routine for many older Americans these days. It’s not necessarily the most popular, though. Many older Americans would rather do anything than have to wake up and take a number of medications throughout the day.
Some older Americans who take certain medications may attempt to skip them if they’re feeling better, feeling that the meds have “done their job”. This could lead to serious consequences for one’s health in the long run.
When you are prescribed medications by a doctor, they’re prescribed for a reason. The medications that you are prescribed are engineered to help you keep any health conditions that ail you in check. You may have to take them for the rest of your life, which can seem like a chore, but the chore is better than living unwell.
If you are prescribed medication for certain conditions, please be sure to stay on top of taking them each day. Those medications can mean the difference between a great quality of life and a poor one. If you feel like your medications are causing issues, be sure to tell your doctor. They may either be able to:
- Revise your dosage.
- Discontinue the medication altogether, depending on your quality of health.
- Substitute your current medication for one that you can better tolerate.
As a senior citizen, it’s important to take steps to maintain a healthy quality of life. By following our brief list above, you’ll do just that!
If you need additional information, the friendly, licensed agents at MedicareInsurance.com are always happy to help. They can help you discover Medicare plans in your area that provide the coverage necessary to help you live a happier, healthier life. To learn more, give them a call today at (800) 950-0608!
