Preventive medicine focuses on preventing a disease or stopping it before it leads to serious complications.
Preventive medicine involves various approaches, including regular physical exams, screening tests such as mammograms, pap smears, colonoscopies, vaccinations and immunization, and lifestyle modifications.
While preventive medicine is important for everyone, it is especially crucial for senior patients due to their increased vulnerability to health issues. Unfortunately, more than half of seniors are not up to date with the recommended preventive services.
Let’s discuss the three primary benefits of preventive medicine for senior patients and where you can go to receive a comprehensive range of services for seniors.
It Prevents Chronic Diseases
Chronic health conditions are a common occurrence in seniors. Several factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental factors, aging-related decline in bodily functions, and lifestyle factors, can contribute to the development of chronic health conditions in seniors.
Preventive medicine focuses on identifying the risk factors contributing to the development of chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and COPD) through regular screenings and recommending necessary interventions to lower the risk of developing them.
The strategies and interventions involved in preventive medicine aim to prevent chronic diseases and mitigate the risk of complications associated with various health conditions.
It Allows Early Detection of Diseases
One of the key benefits of preventive medicine is its ability to detect diseases in their early stages. Elderly health conditions detected early allow for timely intervention, which can significantly positively impact the overall well-being and quality of life of seniors. For instance, early detection of breast cancer can lead to a cure in over 90% of cases.
Early detection is crucial for elderly health conditions like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, osteoporosis, cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, arthritis, glaucoma, macular degeneration, kidney diseases, and depression and anxiety.
It Improves the Quality of Life of the Elderly
By preventing or delaying the onset of chronic health conditions and certain age-related health issues, preventive medicine can help seniors maintain their independence and overall quality of life.
For example, preventive measures such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and fall prevention strategies help older adults maintain their mobility and physical function, allowing them to continue performing their day-to-day tasks and staying active. It also involves teaching seniors some strategies to support cognitive health, reducing the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, and ultimately enhancing mental independence.
Furthermore, several senior care centers offer preventive medicine programs that go beyond preventing physical health problems and address the social and emotional well-being of seniors. These programs improve the overall quality of life of seniors by combating loneliness and isolation through social activities, community engagement, and other wellness services.
Preventive Medicine in Fort Worth, TX
At Palm Primary Care Texas, we offer comprehensive services, including preventive medicine services for individuals aged 65 and above. Our team of highly trained and board-certified primary care providers strives to provide cost-effective, patient-centered care with exceptional outcomes. In addition to primary care and preventive medicine services, we also offer various onsite services designed to help you stay happy, active, and healthy.
If you have any questions for us or would like to set up a meet and greet session with one of our senior care providers, please contact our locations nearest you or fill out our Become a Patient Form.
