Health & Fitness
How To Age Well: Primary Care, Prevention And Fulfillment
From a brand partner: Older adults helped shape our communities. They deserve proactive care that can help them stay healthy and fulfilled.
Written by Erica Savage-Jeter, MD, Division Chief Medical Officer at CenterWell Senior Primary Care
Picture some of the older adults in your neighborhood. Maybe it’s a grandfather cheering at a softball game, a neighbor who knows everyone or a retired teacher helping out at the library.
These are the people who helped shape the communities we live in today – raising families, mentoring younger generations, supporting local organizations and building the neighborhoods we call home.
With thousands of Americans turning 65 each day, supporting healthy aging is becoming increasingly important not just for families, but for entire communities.
The Challenges of Aging
Getting older can bring new health challenges. Nearly 80% of Americans over 65 have two or more long-term health problems, like diabetes or heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As seniors’ health needs become more complicated, we must find better ways to care for the people who have given so much to our communities.
Why Primary Care Matters
Primary care providers are at the center of this approach. They don’t just give checkups—they help manage health problems and get to know their patients over time. When a doctor knows a patient well, they can spot small changes in health and connect the dots between different medicines and treatments.
However, many older adults only see their doctor when they are sick, not for regular visits. This means problems can go unnoticed, and it may be harder to keep people healthy in the long run.
The Aging Well in America survey from CenterWell shows that older adults believe their primary care doctor is the number one factor, other than themselves, that will have an impact on their ability to age well, but many still don’t go often enough. Missing regular visits can mean missing chances to catch health issues early.
Staying Healthy Through Prevention
More doctors are now focusing on preventing illness, not just treating it. They want to help people stay healthy, independent and happy as they get older. This includes caring for the whole person—not just the body, but also their emotions and social life.
At CenterWell Senior Primary Care, doctors spend more time with each patient, allowing for better conversations and care. Patients can also meet with pharmacists, mental health experts and social workers who help them find resources like rides, healthy food and local support.
That kind of consistent, coordinated care can make a meaningful difference over time.
Recent research shows that Humana Medicare Advantage patients in value-based care models are more likely to see their primary care provider regularly. This helps them stay on top of preventive care and better manage their chronic conditions, reducing avoidable hospital visits.
Supporting Seniors Beyond the Exam Room
Healthy aging is not only about seeing the doctor or staying active. It’s also about being independent, staying in touch with friends and family and finding joy in everyday life.
Recent findings from CenterWell’s Fulfillment Index shows that fulfillment is shaped by having a purpose, emotional stability, social connection, comfort and a sense of security. This might mean going to religious services, volunteering, spending time with family or joining local events. These activities can help prevent loneliness and support emotional health.
Healthcare organizations can help by hosting community events and programs. This gives seniors a chance to stay active and make new friends.
Many older adults have spent years making our communities better. As they age, keeping those connections can help them feel valued and avoid feeling alone.
As more people get older, we need to change how we support them. Creating healthy communities for seniors means investing in preventive care, local resources and opportunities for connection. This helps older adults live healthier and more meaningful lives.
Learn more about how CenterWell’s senior-focused primary care helps older adults stay healthy, independent and connected at www.centerwellprimarycare.com.
