Preventive Health Care for Seniors

As our bodies age, our risk for disease increases as well. For that reason, it's particularly important to take a proactive approach to health care for seniors. Preventive health care for seniors is key to helping older adults maintain their quality of life and independence for as long as possible. 

What Is Preventive Health Care?

The goal of preventive health care is to maintain good health, prevent illness before it occurs, and (if that's not possible) catch diseases as soon as possible. The best type of preventive health care for an individual will depend on their medical history, current health status, and other circumstances. However, the following are examples of commonly recommended treatments and preventive health screenings for older adults:

  • Regular checkups

  • Flu and pneumonia vaccines

  • Breast cancer screening

  • Colorectal cancer screening

  • Cholesterol screening

  • Diabetes screening

  • High blood pressure screening

  • Osteoporosis screening

What Are the Benefits of Preventive Health Care?

Experts agree that preventive care is one of the best ways to improve health outcomes for older adults. In some cases, preventive healthcare measures can help individuals avoid disease altogether. In others, preventive care can lead to early detection of chronic diseases. In the case of most chronic or life-threatening diseases, catching the illness early allows for better opportunities to manage and/or treat them. This, in turn, can often reduce the impact of the disease. It also helps to keep healthcare costs lower for both patients and providers. 

If you or your loved one is interested in learning more about preventive health, we can help. PACE of Southwest Michigan's innovative philosophy focuses on providing care to seniors in their own homes and communities, thereby allowing them to maintain their comfort, independence, and dignity. PACE takes a holistic, all-inclusive approach to care that combines interdisciplinary healthcare, social support, spiritual care, and more. If you or someone you know is struggling to have their care needs met, check your eligibility or contact us to explore your options.