September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to spotlight how small, proactive steps can boost longevity, wellness, and independence for older adults. At the Family Health Clinic, we want to highlight some great local opportunities as well as trusted guides and fact sheets from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help you stay healthy and thriving.
Move Your Way: Active Aging
The Move Your Way campaign offers tools, fact sheets, and videos encouraging physical activity tailored for older adults. Benefits include improving mood, balance, strength, and reducing fall risk.
Even just 5 minutes of movement can make a big difference! Try out the interactive activity planner to build your own weekly routine and stay motivated.
Looking for local options? Jump in the pool to get some great exercise! Delphi Community High School offers Senior Water Aerobics every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:00 a.m. Contact Mike Harbeck at (262) 215-7222 for more information.
Bone Health: Get a Bone Density Test
A bone density test screens for osteoporosis and helps identify your risk for fractures. Women ages 65 and older, men concerned about bone strength, and post-menopausal women can all benefit from testing. Ask your provider if it’s time to schedule one.
Vaccination Resources
Staying current with vaccines is an important part of healthy aging. Adults 50+ should talk to their provider about shingles, RSV (for 60+), pneumococcal, flu (annual), Tdap, Td, and COVID-19 vaccines.
Immunizations aren’t just for children—keeping up with vaccines throughout adulthood helps protect your health and independence.
Oral Health: Quick Tips for Older Adults
Your oral health impacts your overall health and quality of life. Simple steps like brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly can make a big difference.
The Oral Health Quick Tips guide also includes advice for managing dry mouth, spotting warning signs like mouth sores, and finding affordable dental care.
Medicare Wellness Visit: Annual Check-In
The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a free yearly appointment to review preventive care, screenings, and lifestyle changes while creating a personalized wellness plan.
Bring your medication list, questions, and family history to get the most out of this visit. You can schedule your Annual Wellness Visit with your Family Health Clinic provider!
Medicare Open Enrollment: Why It Matters
Every year from October 15 to December 7, people with Medicare can review and change their coverage for the upcoming year. Even if you’re satisfied with your current plan, costs and coverage can change—so an annual check-in ensures you’re getting the best fit for your health needs.
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased counseling to walk you through plan comparisons and answer questions. The Family Health Clinic has SHIP Counselors available who can meet with you at no cost to review your Medicare options and help you make confident choices.
Family Health History Tool
The My Family Health Portrait is a free, secure tool from the Surgeon General’s office that helps you record your family’s health history and share it with your providers. Having this information on hand makes it easier for your care team to provide personalized, preventive care.
Local Connections: Focus on Seniors
In addition to these national resources, don’t forget about the great opportunities right here in Carroll County. The Carroll County Comet has been featuring a “Focus on Seniors” page each week, highlighting activities, resources, and community happenings at the Flora Senior Center and Delphi Senior and Family Services. These programs offer wonderful ways to stay active, social, and engaged.
Healthy aging is about making small, intentional choices that support your well-being—whether it’s moving more, keeping up with screenings, staying current on vaccines, or reviewing your Medicare coverage each year. With trusted resources like Move Your Way, MyHealthfinder guides, SHIP counselors, and local opportunities through our senior centers, you have the tools to stay strong, independent, and connected.
This Healthy Aging Month, we encourage you to take advantage of these resources, check in on your health, and celebrate the many ways you can live well at every age.
Click here for 5 Healthy Aging Facts to Celebrate Healthy Aging Month!
Sources
Move Your Way (older adults) – Tools, fact sheets, and videos from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion to encourage physical activity tailored for older adults.
Move Your Way Activity Planner – An interactive planner to help you build and print your personalized weekly activity plan.
MyHealthfinder: Resources for Older Adults – Comprehensive search results covering wellness topics specific to older adults, such as oral health, vaccinations, physical activity, and screenings.
Get a Bone Density Test – A MyHealthfinder guide on bone health screening, including who should be tested and next steps for prevention and treatment.
Get Vaccines to Protect Your Health (Adults Age 50+) – Recommendations and action steps for essential vaccines like shingles, RSV, pneumococcal, flu, Tdap/Td, and COVID-19.
Oral Health for Older Adults: Quick Tips – Practical advice for maintaining dental hygiene, spotting warning signs, and managing conditions like dry mouth.
Get Your Medicare Wellness Visit Every Year – A guide to the free annual Medicare wellness visit, including what to expect, how to prepare, and action steps.
My Family Health Portrait – The Surgeon General’s secure, privacy-protecting tool for recording and sharing your family health history with health professionals.
