By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being
An athlete participates in a heart health screening at the National Senior Games in 2023.
As a Senior Games athlete, you are already getting health benefits from participating in sports. Staying active goes a long way toward lowering your risk for chronic disease and keeping you feeling strong. But even the most dedicated athletes aren’t immune to injuries, illness, or mental well-being challenges.
Avoiding preventable illnesses and injuries helps you stay in the game. Wellness services are priceless to older adults because they decrease time away from the things you love due to preventable illness.
Don’t Skip on Immunizations and Screenings
Consider the experience of legendary runner and Senior Games supporter Kathrine Switzer. A few years ago, she was sidelined by shingles, a painful condition that kept her from training and competing. Shingles is often preventable with a vaccine that’s widely recommended for older adults.
In addition to immunizations, regular health screenings are another powerful tool. They can catch issues early, sometimes before you even notice symptoms, when treatment is often more effective.
For example, early detection of colon cancer can make a significant difference in outcomes. And if certain conditions run in your family, those screenings become even more important.
Accessing Preventive Services
Knowledge is power in managing your health care. Resources like the Kaiser Family Foundation’s Preventive Services Tracker can help you understand what’s available and covered for each condition under the Affordable Care Act.
Medicare and Prevention: What to Know
If you’re on Medicare, you have access to a range of preventive services. The National Council on Aging suggests keeping the following key considerations in mind when accessing Medicare preventive health resources:
- Preventive care is covered whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Some services are offered during regular visits—for example, your Annual Wellness Visit is covered at no cost.
- Medicare doesn’t cover a traditional annual physical, but it does include a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” visit and yearly wellness visits focused on prevention.
- It’s always a good idea to talk with your provider ahead of time so you know what to expect, including any potential costs.
Prevention Provides a Positive Return
Because of their effectiveness in reducing the cost of illness, many preventive health services and wellness screenings are provided at no cost. Some insurance plans even offer a financial incentive to use these benefits!
However, the return on investment of a prevention mindset goes beyond dollars and cents.
A prevention mindset helps you maximize your quality of life and healthspan while also providing a solid foundation to prepare for an outstanding Senior Games performance.
