(BPT) – Taking care of ourselves and each other is critical at any age. A 2022 survey of members by AARP Services confirmed that adults 50-plus share that sentiment. Seventy-one percent agreed with the statement, “My health is my biggest concern, ” while 89% agreed with the statement, “Taking care of the family is my first priority. ”
Despite considering it important, though, the pandemic led many to fall behind on regular check-ups. In a Feb. 12-17, 2021 TIME-Harris Poll study , 78% of respondents reported they had put off at least some medical services during the previous three months. It is likely these appointments seemed non-critical at the time, especially relative to the risk of exposure to more serious illness, but continually neglecting them can lead to other, more significant issues down the road.
With a new year underway, there’s no time like the present in order to get back into the wellness groove and stay there for good. Fortunately, AARP member benefits offer numerous ways to help make it even easier.
Did you hear that?
Mild hearing loss will be common along with age. In fact , it is usually one of the most common conditions affecting older grown ups. Hearing problems that are ignored or untreated can get worse. They can also lead to isolation, which in turn might lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, reduced mobility plus falls.
Hearing issues are easily corrected with hearing aids, yet only one in four adults who could benefit from hearing helps has ever used all of them. Fortunately, getting a hearing aid is easier than actually. In October, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids became available for adults along with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
For grown ups with more severe hearing reduction, OTC listening to aids might not amplify sounds enough. Taking the simple hearing test can evaluate your hearing, avoid future problems and improve quality of life. AARP members may save upon hearing care and listening to aids. Along with AARP ® Listening to Solutions™ provided by UnitedHealthcare Hearing , users receive a no-cost UnitedHealthcare Hearing’s test and personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers. They can also save 20% on hearing helps and 15% on accessories.
Keep smiling
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognizes dentophobia , or fear of the particular dentist, as a specific phobic disorder in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It’s little wonder, then, that in the TIME-Harris poll , dental exams or even cleanings were the most frequently missed.
However, regular dental care is an important part associated with overall health. It can also monitor plus prevent disease. Studies have increasingly found a link between oral issues like plaque, gum disease, gingivitis and other more serious conditions in the particular body, including memory loss. By visiting the dentist regularly, problems can be monitored or even corrected before they get worse. Learn about teeth insurance options designed with regard to AARP people that include regular cleanings and coverage you can count on for the most common dental procedures to make keeping your dental professional appointment even less painful.
Stay focused
Eye exams had been another commonly missed appointment during the particular pandemic, ranking third of the listed skipped procedures . Poor eyesight is definitely frustrating and can impact standard of living and safety.
Having an eye exam isn’t just regarding a vision test. Vision conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts become a lot more common with age and may be treated if found early. The eyes can also be earlier indicators associated with conditions this kind of as high blood pressure, heart illness, anemia plus cancer .
AARP associates enjoy vision care discounts through AARP ® Vision Discounts given by EyeMed to help them and their families save on lenses and frames in participating retailers and independent provider locations nationwide plus online. Savings include 50% on prescription lenses with the purchase of a frame from LensCrafters, 30% on the complete pair of glasses (frames and lenses) with Glasses. com, and an additional $10 on a complete set at Target Optical.
Self-care can be primary
At one time, skipping that primary care visit may possess seemed like a lower risk than the possible COVID exposure. Because people were feeling well, these people might not have returned. Effective primary treatment can provide critical preventive care, especially if health problems aren’t causing symptoms.
AARP members plus non-members have access to quality care with Oak Street Health , a primary care provider specializing within older adults on Medicare with a team of doctors, nurses and other professionals dedicated in order to keeping a person well — physically, mentally and socially at more than 160 centers across 21 states. Benefits include personalized precautionary care plans, same-day/next-day appointments where available, a 24/7 healthcare patient support line and a lot more. Plus, you can download free comprehensive checklists to help you make the most of primary treatment visits. AARP membership is certainly not required to visit an Oak Street Health location.
Keep up the momentum
Now that you’re seeing your supplier regularly, you can reevaluate your own medication needs and get your prescriptions up to date. Save on medications and never miss a refill with AARP ® Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx ® . The program offers the free doctor prescribed discount card that can be used on over 66, 000 pharmacies nationwide upon FDA-approved prescription medications. Members receive additional advantages such as deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for dependents and more.
Getting your health in order could also mean more trips to stores like Walgreens. When you link your AARP and myWalgreens ® memberships , you’ll earn 10% Walgreens Cash rewards on Walgreens branded wellness and wellbeing products, 7% Walgreens Cash rewards upon Walgreens branded beauty & personal care products plus 3% Walgreens Cash benefits on some other qualifying beauty & personal care products.
Stay on track by supplementing your visits with a healthy lifestyle — including your mental health along with your physical health.
A great way to step back and focus on your psychological health is by traveling and experiencing something new. Booking your next trip is easy plus affordable along with the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia . Members obtain an extra 10% off at select hotels and up to 30% away select car rentals, along with many additional rebates plus credits intended for cruises, group bookings and more.
The last three years have disrupted our lives plus routines in unprecedented ways, and finding our way back may sometimes become harder than anticipated. Take advantage of the new year as a time to get a head-to-toe wellness check. By taking advantage of your own AARP member benefits, it’s one resolution that will be easy to keep. Visit aarp. org/benefits for more details.
AARP associate benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay the royalty fee to AARP for the particular use associated with its intellectual property. These fees are usually used pertaining to the general purposes of AARP. Some service provider offers are subject in order to change and may have got restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.