Portrait of loving retired couple relaxing on a bench outside their house with a female nurse sitting by. Caucasian elderly man and woman sitting relaxed on a bench with home caregiver at old age home.
In the past, a visit to the doctor may have felt more like a hypothetical situation than an immediate necessity. A sore knee or strange bump might have seemed insignificant, and you might have hoped it would go away on its own. However, as we age, it's crucial to take a more proactive approach to healthcare. Routine doctor's appointments and regular consultations with specialists are essential since health can change quickly in our senior years. Here are four important things older adults should discuss with their doctor:
1. Eyesight
As we age, it's common for vision to decline. Changes like difficulty seeing objects up close, adjusting to different lighting, or distinguishing colors may seem minor, but they can be indicators of more serious issues, such as glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration. These issues can also affect your ability to drive safely and increase the risk of falls due to impaired vision.
The National Institute on Aging suggests that adults aged 60 and older should have a dilated eye exam every one to two years. Regular eye exams ensure that prescriptions for glasses remain up-to-date, even for slight changes in vision.
2. Hearing
Did you know that approximately one in three people over 60 experience hearing loss? This number increases to one in two for those over 85, according to the American Academy of Audiology. Even if you haven't been exposed to loud noises or worked in noisy environments, age-related changes to blood flow, nerves, and the inner ear can impact hearing.
The good news is that early detection through regular hearing tests can help prevent further deterioration. Your doctor may recommend hearing aids or other treatments to preserve your hearing.
3. Heart Health
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among older adults in the U.S. As we age, blood pressure tends to rise, and the heart's walls and valves can thicken, affecting blood flow. While regular checkups with your doctor are essential to monitor heart health, there are steps you can take on your own to reduce your risk.
For instance, research shows that increasing your daily steps can significantly lower your risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association reports that adults who walk around 4,500 steps daily have a 77% lower risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event compared to those who walk less than 2,000 steps per day.
4. Balance
Vision, hearing, and heart health all play a role in maintaining balance. As we age, these changes, combined with muscle loss, can affect our balance and increase the risk of falls. In fact, falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death among older adults, with one in four older individuals falling each year.
Falls are responsible for millions of emergency room visits annually, and a previous fall can double the likelihood of falling again. Your doctor can help identify any risk factors that might affect your balance and create a fitness plan to address these issues.
How McKay Creek Assisted Living Can Help
At McKay Creek Assisted Living, our dedicated team assists residents with scheduling doctor's appointments and ensuring that they follow their prescribed medication regimens to maintain their overall health and well-being. In addition, we offer a variety of programming designed to nurture the mind, body and spirit to maintain both mental and physical health.
To learn more about how we support our residents, visit us at mckaycreekal.com or call (541) 612-8213 to schedule a visit with our team.