You are not alone and deserve to be treated right.
This is an exciting time and a wonderful opportunity to improve your health and do all the things you’ve always wanted to do.
Even if you don’t have a lot of family support, just know there are still many people who really care and would love to help you every step of the way.
Medical and Dental Care
- Even if you feel well, be sure to visit your doctor or health care provider regularly for checkups, exams and care as needed. This includes getting regular vision and hearing care, cancer screenings as well as routine tests to check blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, bone health and heart health. Talk to your doctor about how often you should visit. If you don’t have a doctor or health insurance, you can get quality care at a nearby health center.
- Don’t forget about your dental health. See your dentist regularly (at least once or twice a year) for checkups, exams and professional cleanings. If you don’t have a dentist or insurance, check out your options at the US Department of Health and Human Services: “Where can I find low-cost dental care?“
- If you’re sexually active, be sure to practice safe sex and use condoms. Free condoms are available. You can also get tested for any infections at a free confidential testing center near you.
- If you’re pregnant, it’s important to also get prenatal care from the very beginning of your pregnancy to protect both you and your unborn child’s health. Find prenatal care services and support programs near you.
Food and Diet Help
- It’s important to eat and drink healthy for better health. This includes getting enough water, fruit, grains, vegetables and protein. See guide on Choosing Healthy Meals as You Get Older.
- On a tight budget? Don’t worry, you can still eat healthy and save with these easy tips. Also see Recipes and Tips for Healthy, Thrifty Meals.
- If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or have children, call (800) – 311 – BABY (2229) or find your local WIC office for free help with breastfeeding and food for you and your family.
- Need help with food? See if you qualify for nutrition help program. You can also find your local food bank or call WhyHunger hotline at (800) – 5 – HUNGRY (548 – 6479) for more help finding food pantries, soup kitchens, summer meals sites, government nutrition programs, grassroots organizations and nutritional support services.
- Need help with an eating problem? Call the National Eating Disorders Helpline at (800) – 931 – 2237 for caring help and support.
Physical Activity and Fitness Help
- It’s important to get enough exercise and physical activity each week in order to help your body function properly. This can be as simple as going for regular walks. Remember to talk to your doctor or health care provider before starting any fitness routine or program.
- Join a fitness support group in your area. It helps to be around other people who may have the same fitness goals and enjoy the same activities as you do.
Lifestyle and Relationship Help
- Unhealthy relationships, drugs and too much alcohol can really make life a lot harder to deal with, but there is hope. Things can get better.
- Senior activities: Call 211 for 24/7 help finding nearby community health centers, volunteer and help your community or join a senior meetup near you to meet new people and participate in group activities you enjoy.
- For home and health assistance, call 211 for 24/7 help finding local health and human service agencies for health support and help dealing with illness.
- For help with elder abuse or if you feel like you’re being mistreated by a caregiver, family member or any other person, call your state elder abuse hotline. You’re not crazy.
- For help with relationship violence and abuse, call (800) – 799 – SAFE (7233) for 24/7 caring help near you.
- For help with quitting smoking, call (800) – QUIT – NOW (784 – 8669) for caring help in your state.
- For help with alcohol or drugs, call (800) – 662 – HELP (4357) for 24/7 caring support and information about treatment options and referrals to local rehab centers for any drug or alcohol problem.
- For help dealing with difficult feelings and emotions, call (800) – 273 – TALK (8255) for 24/7 caring support.
Guides: Senior Health Information,Health Information Guides (also available in Spanish), Talking With Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People (also available in Spanish), Your 1st Step to Finding Resources for Older Adults (see more senior health brochures), Caring for Aging Parents, Choosing Healthy Meals as You Get Older, Exercise and Physical Activity (also available in Spanish), Go4Life Fitness Support, Travel Tips for Older Travelers, Mourning Death of a Spouse, Elder Abuse: Help for Victims and Vulnerable Persons, Elder Abuse Resources, Medication and Treatment Information, Veteran Long Term Care and Support, Senior Volunteer Opportunities, Menopause (also available in Spanish), Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease, Programs and Services for Older Adults, Compare Nursing Home Options, Social Security Information and Help, Medicare Information and Help, A Guide for Families and Friends of People with Medicare, and Disability Information and Help
Support groups: Seniors Meetup Activities and Elder Abuse Resources
Keep in mind that it’s important to see your doctor and dentist for regular checkups and if you ever need help, don’t ever be afraid to ask. You are not alone and there are people who really care and want to help you.
Talk to your doctor or health care provider for more information.
If you don’t have a doctor, find a health center near you.
Call (800) – 273 – TALK (8255) for 24/7 caring support and help with difficult feelings and emotions.
Call your state elder abuse hotline if you feel like you’re being mistreated by a caregiver, family member or any other person. You’re not crazy.
Call (800) – 677 – 1116 for caring help finding nearby services, programs and resources for elderly and caregiver support.
Call (800) – 799 – SAFE (7233) for 24/7 caring help with relationship violence and abuse.
Call (800) – 662 – HELP (4357) for 24/7 caring support and help with alcohol or drugs.
Sources:
– Health screening — women– over age 65. US National Library of Medicine – MedlinePlus web site. http://1.usa.gov/1NvVXrx. Accessed May 25, 2016.
– Health screening — men age 65 and older. US National Library of Medicine – MedlinePlus web site. http://1.usa.gov/1NvVXrx. Accessed May 25, 2016.