How To Manage the Health Challenges of Your 50s and Beyond

June 09, 2021

Doctor listening to mature adult female patient's heart with stethoscope

Whatever your age or stage of life, establishing a relationship with a primary care provider (PCP) is the best way to preserve and protect your most valuable asset -- your health.

But once you get into your 50s and beyond, it becomes even more important to see your doctor at least once a year for a complete physical and age-appropriate preventive screenings.

At this time of life, you’ve successfully navigated through all the personal, professional and financial challenges that life can throw at you. Make the most of it – and help ensure more years to come – by keeping your body and mind healthy and active. The best way to do this is to form a trusting relationship with a PCP.

If you are managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, arthritis, heart failure or diabetes, you may need to see your provider more frequently to monitor and manage these conditions.

Easy Access to Specialty Care

Based on your specific needs, your PCP can also coordinate referrals to specialty care services, including:

Advanced care in medical specialties like cardiology, orthopedics, urology and neurology
Behavioral health services to manage stress, anxiety and depression
Compassionate counseling and treatments for substance disorders (alcohol and drugs)
Ancillary services like physical therapy, weight loss programs and nutritional counseling
Neurological evaluations to help keep your mind sharp

Find the Right Provider for You

The optimal relationship with a physician is one built on trust and one that meets your needs. Some features to look for could include the provider’s location, gender, languages spoken and/or insurance accepted.

Convenience is Key

Many people like being able to see their PCPs in person at their office. But many hospitals offer other convenient ways to get the care you need. Find a physician’s office that offers modern services such as virtual visits, online scheduling, evening and weekend hours and 24/7 access to your health records, which make it easy to track and manage your health.

Save Time and Money

Seeing a PCP is easier on your spending, too, while depending on an urgent care or ER for routine care can be costly and time-consuming.

Primary care visits are the most affordable option for care - with low copays and, under most insurance plans including Medicare, no-cost yearly physicals. Check with your insurance provider and benefits plan for more information.

And when you visit your established primary care provider, your medical history is at hand so each appointment can focus on the specific reason for your visit.