Preventive health care enhances our overall well-being, especially for aging adults. The aim of preventive health care is to prevent illnesses or diseases from developing. As we age, our risk of developing such health issues increases. In senior care centers where there is a high demographic of senior adults, preventive health care can help residents to live healthier and longer lives. Find out why preventive health matters in senior care centers.
Encourage a Healthier Lifestyle
Living a healthy lifestyle becomes more important as we age in life. A healthy and active lifestyle can prevent many age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, hypertension, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and more. Ensuring that residents go for their annual wellness exam is one way to assess their quality of health. Doctors will review changes in one’s weight, height, vitals, body mass, medication and diet. Based on the results, the doctor will advise on the need for any additional screenings or lifestyle changes to sustain good health. Some common healthcare advice includes increasing physical activity, eating balanced meals and getting quality sleep.
Detect Early Signs of Illness
When symptoms of illnesses are detected early, our chances of full recovery are higher. Regular medical screenings are an example of preventive health measures that will help detect any health concerns. Doctors will then recommend additional screenings according to our medical history and current health status.
Men and women above the age of 50 are highly recommended by medical professionals to go for cancer checks such as breast cancer and colorectal screenings. Meanwhile, cholesterol and high blood pressure screenings help to ensure our heart and blood pressure levels are healthy, reducing the risk of a stroke or heart attack. Likewise, obese individuals who are more prone to developing diabetes would be encouraged to go for a diabetes screening.
Avoid Contracting Diseases
Immunizations help to reduce the risk of contracting some diseases. Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, vaccinations have become a necessity in preventive health care. Vaccines also protect people from other diseases such as pneumonia and influenza. They have been proven to reduce life-threatening risks for aging adults.
Prioritize Preventive Health Services in Senior Care Centers
Finding a senior care center with preventive health services is important for you or your loved one. Missing out on these services can put your health at risk for serious conditions or illnesses that may not be detected in time for treatment. Having regular medical checkups and living a healthy lifestyle in senior care centers can go a long way in preventing illnesses. Families who are concerned about their loved one’s health status can also have peace of mind knowing that senior care centers are equipped to provide immediate medical assistance. This is why integrating preventive health services plays a part in helping residents live healthier and better quality lives.
In our retirement community in South Carolina, we prioritize our residents’ health and wellness. Using a multi-dimensional approach, our residents are supported in their preventive health journey with our exclusive senior living programs and services. This is why our Dimensions Health & Wellness program is key to caring for every aspect of our residents’ health. To learn more about our retirement community, contact us today!
