September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to focus on what it means to stay healthy and engaged as we age. While growing older brings new opportunities and experiences, it can also raise new questions about supporting physical and cognitive health.
We spoke with Dr. Heidi Schwarzwald, Chief Medical Officer at Signify Health, part of CVS Health, about practical steps people can take to support healthy aging.
Q: What is the most important thing older adults can do for their health right now?
Dr. Schwarzwald: This is one of the most common questions I hear from older adults. My answer is simple: start by understanding your whole health.
I recommend focusing on three pillars of healthy aging: managing and preventing chronic conditions, supporting cognitive health, and understanding your medications and supplements.
Looking at your health through all three of those lenses can help you build a more complete plan for staying healthy and independent.
Q: Why is managing chronic conditions so important as we age?
Dr. Schwarzwald: Chronic conditions become more common as we get older. In fact, more than 90% of adults age 65 and older have at least one chronic condition, and nearly 80% have two or more.
Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease can affect quality of life, but there are steps people can take to prevent them and reduce their risk of complications. As a physician, I constantly emphasize physical activity and nutrition because of how powerful they are in managing chronic conditions and helping prevent them from developing in the first place.
Q: What memory changes are considered normal with aging, and what should older adults and caregivers look out for?
Dr. Schwarzwald: It's common to experience some memory changes as we get older.
You may take a little longer to remember a name, occasionally misplace something around the house or have trouble finding the right word during a conversation. You might also find multitasking more challenging than it used to be. These experiences can be a normal part of aging.
However, there are times when changes deserve closer attention. Repeating the same questions, getting lost in familiar places, forgetting how to use everyday items or experiencing repeated falls or balance issues are examples of symptoms that should be taken seriously and discussed with a health care professional.
Q: What can people do to help support cognitive health?
Dr. Schwarzwald: The mind and body are more connected than people often realize, and many of the habits that support physical health are also good for brain health.
Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and quality sleep all play important roles in supporting cognitive function. I also encourage people to make mental stimulation part of their daily routines.
That might mean reading, doing puzzles, playing games or learning a new skill. Creative activities such as painting, knitting, cooking, and writing can also help keep the brain engaged. Social connections matter too. Spending time with friends and family, attending community events, or volunteering can help keep the mind active while supporting emotional well-being.
Q: Why should older adults review their medications regularly?
Dr. Schwarzwald: Medication needs can change over time.
More than 40% of older adults take five or more medications, and many people also use over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements. As our bodies change, medications that were once appropriate may need adjustments or could potentially contribute to side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, or memory fog.
I recommend maintaining a list of all your prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements, including how much you take and how often. Update the list each time you start a new medication or supplement. Your primary care provider can review that list with you, explain how medications work, identify possible interactions and determine whether any changes may be helpful.
Q: How can Signify Health help people support healthy aging?
Dr. Schwarzwald: Many health plans offer eligible members In-Home Health Evaluations through Signify Health.
During these visits, a licensed nurse practitioner, physician or physician assistant comes to your home at a time that’s convenient for you. The visit may last up to an hour and includes a health assessment, medication review and discussion about your physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Additional tests and screenings for issues like chronic conditions and mild cognitive decline may be performed during the visit too.
Together, you can create a personalized health management plan designed to help you stay on top of your health. Following the visit, both you and your primary care provider receive a summary that can support future care discussions. And if you don't currently have a primary care provider, Signify Health can help connect you with one in your network.
Having the right support can make it easier to take that first step for your health. Last year, Signify Health performed more than 3.5 million in-home health visits across the country, helping people like Carol and John access the care and resources they need.
Q: What should family members watch for when supporting an aging parent or loved one?
Dr. Schwarzwald: I hear often how much support from family and friends means to older adults, especially as their health needs change. Here’s what to look for:
- New symptoms like tiredness, dizziness, shaking or trembling, falling, changes in appetite, shortness of breath, and chest pain
- Mood changes, agitation, and declining interest in activities
- Challenges with memory or learning that go beyond occasionally misplacing something or forgetting a name or fact.
If you notice any of these symptoms of changes, encourage your loved one to see their primary care provider. Catching potential issues early often makes a big difference.
Encouraging them to maintain healthy habits like having an annual physical exam, eating healthy, and staying physically, socially and mentally active also help.
