Be proactive about your healthcare.
Research shows that people 65 and older typically receive only about 53 percent of the care they need, increasing their risk of declining health. If a healthcare provider recommends a treatment or service to you, follow up and be sure you get it. Regular checkups provide a good opportunity to check the status of your healthcare.
Regular physical exams, screenings, and vaccinations are an important part of staying healthy, especially if you have chronic medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. However, in a recent study of community-dwelling adults age 65 or older who were enrolled in managed care organizations, study participants only received about half of the healthcare they needed, putting them at increased risk of mortality over the next 3 years. Learn about your medical conditions and treatment options and talk regularly with your doctor about your healthcare.
RealAge Benefit: Actively patrolling your health can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger.
Quality of care is associated with survival in vulnerable older patients. Higashi, T., Shekelle, P. G., Adams, J. L., Kamberg, C. J., Roth, C. P., Solomon, D. H., Reuben, D. B., Chiang, L., MacLean, C. H., Chang, J. T., Young, R. T., Saliba, D. M., Wenger, N. S.,
Annals of Internal Medicine 2005 Aug 16;143(4):274-281. Summary for patients in:
Ann Intern Med. 2005 Aug 16;143(4):I33.
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