Talking with your primary care provider about health risks and independence is important. Together, you can create a plan with actionable steps to maintain your health. Your Medicare Advantage plan includes a no-cost Annual Wellness Visit, where you can talk to your provider about the topics below.
If you don’t have a primary care provider, call Wellmark customer service toll-free at 1-855-716-2544 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Central Time). Or use our online find-a-provider tool.
Fall prevention
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four older adults experiences a fall resulting in serious injuries,1 making it difficult to maintain independence. If you’ve had a recent fall, or are concerned about fall risk, ask your provider:
- Could changes to my vision and hearing affect my balance?
- Could my current medications affect my stability?
- Would physical therapy or a walking aid help my balance?
Steps you can take to lower your risk of falls:
- Wear safe shoes.
- Plan for weather.
- Avoid stairs.
- Watch for uneven ground or poorly structured walkways.
- Add lighting outside your home.
If you have experienced a fall or need equipment to walk more securely, your plan offers a durable medical equipment (DME) benefit. Refer to your plan's Evidence of Coverage (EOC) or contact customer service for more detail. Find a DME provider online.
Incontinence issues
More than 40 percent of people 65 and older have reported bladder control issues2. While incontinence and age-related urine leakage are sensitive issues, it’s important to discuss treatment options with your provider.
Use this list of questions to speak comfortably with your provider at your next visit:
- What are common causes of incontinence?
- If I’m leaving my home, can I skip a dose of medication?
- Can exercise or dietary changes help?
Consider seeing a geriatrician, a primary care doctor specially trained to treat older adults with incontinence and other health issues.
Physical activity
Regular physical activity can improve physical and mental health. There’s no one right fitness routine, but there are things you can do to prioritize healthy aging when you exercise. At your next visit, ask your provider:
- What exercise or diet changes might work for me?
- What are some easy ways I can increase my daily activity?
- How can I become more active considering my mobility limitations?
Here are simple, easy-to-learn exercises to keep you feeling your best for the years ahead:
- Take a brisk 30-minute walk.
- Attend fitness classes in your area or online.
- Invite friends or family to help you get active.
- Do light housework and gardening outside.
Learn more about the health benefits of being active and where to start.
Mental health
As you age, your body isn’t the only thing that benefits from a little extra care. Paying attention to your mental well-being can make you feel better about your overall health. Try these low- to no-cost tips keep your mind going strong.
Tips for improving your mental health:
- Invite a friend to go on a walk or video chat.
- Consider minimizing your alcohol intake to less than one or two drinks per day.
- Get active by signing up for an in-person or online fitness class.
- Check out mindfulness meditations online or through phone apps.
- Meet with a mental health professional in our network. Online visits can also be scheduled at https://doctorondemand.com/microsite/wellmarkma/ or 1-800-997-6196.
Keep in mind, it’s OK to seek help if you need it.
Resources
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2021. “Facts about Falls.” https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats.
2 Gorina Y, Schappert S, Bercovitz A, et al. Prevalence of incontinence among older Americans. National Center for Health Statistics.