3 Easy Ways to Stay Healthier in Retirement
As you embrace your 60s and beyond, it’s essential to remember that age is merely a number. We are living longer, and many of us maintain a youthful outlook on life as we grow older. This positive attitude contributes significantly to our overall health, but it’s crucial to recognize that our bodies, including our eyes, undergo changes over time. To ensure we stay healthy, see clearly, and remain active as we age, we must pay attention to these changes.
Fortunately, for those of us over 60, there are three straightforward ways to maintain our health for as long as possible:
1.) Schedule Your Annual Eye Exam
Throughout our lives, our eyes will experience various changes—some temporary, some gradual, and others more permanent or sudden. While some vision changes, like needing reading glasses, are normal, others may indicate a more serious issue. It’s vital to discuss any vision concerns with your eye doctor and keep up with regular eye exams to monitor these changes. Additionally, during these exams, eye doctors can often detect early signs of heart disease, hypertension, and other health problems through a thorough examination of the retina.
Having vision insurance is a valuable asset for maintaining eye health. If you’re considering vision insurance, affordable individual plans are available through VSP® Individual Vision Plans. Coverage can start as low as $13 per month, depending on your location, with various payment options to fit any budget.
2.) See Your Physician at Least Once a Year
Heart disease is not just a male issue; it claims the lives of women at an alarming rate, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1. Age is a significant factor that increases the risk of heart disease for both genders.
Being aware of risk factors such as obesity, smoking, and uncontrolled high blood pressure is crucial. Many individuals may not realize they have heart disease until they suffer a heart attack or stroke. Regular check-ups, including physicals and eye exams, are essential for catching early signs before irreversible damage occurs. Consult your doctor about your risk factors; they can guide you on lifestyle changes to mitigate your heart disease risk.
3.) Get the Recommended Routine Screenings
If you’ve been diligent about annual screenings, great job! If not, now is the time to start. These recommended screenings are vital; doctors check for conditions like diabetes through blood tests and monitor blood pressure for hypertension. Although fitting these appointments into a busy schedule may seem challenging, prioritizing them is essential.
Routine screenings2 can help identify health issues in their earliest stages when they are most treatable. Discuss your risk factors with your doctor and find out which screenings are recommended for you.
As Easy as 1, 2, 3
These simple steps can help you focus on your health as you age, allowing you to feel as vibrant in your 60s and beyond as you did in your 30s.
To learn more about individual VSP eye insurance that can help protect your vision and overall health, visit VSP Individual Vision Plans today.
References
- https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/women.htm
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/routine-screenings
As you embrace your 60s and beyond, it’s essential to remember that age is merely a number. We are living longer, and many of us maintain a youthful outlook on life as we grow older. This positive attitude contributes significantly to our overall health, but it’s crucial to recognize that our bodies, including our eyes, undergo changes over time. To ensure we stay healthy, see clearly, and remain active as we age, we must pay attention to these changes.
Fortunately, for those of us over 60, there are three straightforward ways to maintain our health for as long as possible:
1.) Schedule Your Annual Eye Exam
Throughout our lives, our eyes will experience various changes—some temporary, some gradual, and others more permanent or sudden. While some vision changes, like needing reading glasses, are normal, others may indicate a more serious issue. It’s vital to discuss any vision concerns with your eye doctor and keep up with regular eye exams to monitor these changes. Additionally, during these exams, eye doctors can often detect early signs of heart disease, hypertension, and other health problems through a thorough examination of the retina.
Having vision insurance is a valuable asset for maintaining eye health. If you’re considering vision insurance, affordable individual plans are available through VSP® Individual Vision Plans. Coverage can start as low as $13 per month, depending on your location, with various payment options to fit any budget.
2.) See Your Physician at Least Once a Year
Heart disease is not just a male issue; it claims the lives of women at an alarming rate, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1. Age is a significant factor that increases the risk of heart disease for both genders.
Being aware of risk factors such as obesity, smoking, and uncontrolled high blood pressure is crucial. Many individuals may not realize they have heart disease until they suffer a heart attack or stroke. Regular check-ups, including physicals and eye exams, are essential for catching early signs before irreversible damage occurs. Consult your doctor about your risk factors; they can guide you on lifestyle changes to mitigate your heart disease risk.
3.) Get the Recommended Routine Screenings
If you’ve been diligent about annual screenings, great job! If not, now is the time to start. These recommended screenings are vital; doctors check for conditions like diabetes through blood tests and monitor blood pressure for hypertension. Although fitting these appointments into a busy schedule may seem challenging, prioritizing them is essential.
Routine screenings2 can help identify health issues in their earliest stages when they are most treatable. Discuss your risk factors with your doctor and find out which screenings are recommended for you.
As Easy as 1, 2, 3
These simple steps can help you focus on your health as you age, allowing you to feel as vibrant in your 60s and beyond as you did in your 30s.
To learn more about individual VSP eye insurance that can help protect your vision and overall health, visit VSP Individual Vision Plans today.
References
- https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/women.htm
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/routine-screenings
