Healthy aging and independence

Staying healthy and independent as we age is important. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are committed to helping you age well and stay independent.

Two members looking at a phone

Staying healthy and independent

Regular conversations with your health care provider are a must, though they can be difficult. It’s important that you know your risks as you age. Being informed can help you and your provider get you on your way to healthy living. An annual wellness visit is a great opportunity to start this conversation with your provider.

A daughter helping her mother

Fall prevention

Fall risks challenge our independence and mobility as we age. Talk with your provider today using the questions we’ve provided to help get the conversation started.

Questions to ask your health care provider:

  • Could changes to my vision and hearing affect my balance? 
  • Can my medications affect my stability? 
  • Would physical therapy or a walking aid help my balance?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four older adults have falls that result in serious injury1. Here are some measures you can take to lower your risk of falls: 

How can I prevent falls outdoors? 

  • Wear safe shoes
  • Plan for weather
  • Avoid steps
  • Watch for uneven ground or poorly structured walkways 
  • Add lighting outside your home 

If you’ve experienced a fall and need durable medical equipment, it may be included in your plan. Log in to check your coverage.

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Bladder control

As we age, bladder control can become a concern. We’ve provided a list of suggestions to help you speak comfortably with your provider. To stay on top of your health, make sure to talk to your provider today.

Conversations starters:

  • What are common causes of incontinence?
  • If I’m leaving my home, can I skip a dose of medication?
  • Can exercise or dietary changes help?

According to the CDC2, more than 40% of people ages 65 years and older have reported issues. Yet, they haven’t spoken to their providers. There are treatments for incontinence and age-related urine leakage. Many Americans silently suffer with urine leakage3, so don’t wait. Talk to a provider today.

Two older members walking their dog

Physical activity

Physical activity is the key to healthy aging. We’ve created questions about your activity to help you talk with your provider:

Questions for your provider:

  • What exercise or diet changes might help?
  • What are ways I can increase my daily activity?
  • How can I become more active considering my mobility limitations?

Thirty minutes of exercise a day can prevent falls, improve bladder control and improve your mental health. Talk with your provider about adding physical activity to your lifestyle. 

Tips for improving your physical activity:

  • Take a brisk 30-minute walk
  • Join SilverSneakers®
  • Attend fitness classes in your area or online
  • Invite friends or family to help you get active
  • Do light housework and gardening outside
An older women looking out window

Mental health

As you age, your body isn’t the only thing that benefits from a little extra care. We can help with tips to keep your mind going strong.

 

Tips for improving your mental health:

  • Invite a friend to go on a walk or video chat 
  • Consider minimizing your alcohol intake to less than one to two drinks per day
  • Discuss the possible interaction between alcohol and any medications 
  • Get active by signing up for an in-person or online fitness class
  • Find mindfulness meditations online or through phone apps
  • Remember it’s okay to ask for help when you need it

Education is always a good place to start when it comes to mental health. See Senior Guide to mental health for more resources: Senior Guide to mental health.

 

Are you providing care for a loved one? See our Caregivers Guide for staying mentally strong when caring for a loved one.

Members

Caregiver Resources

If you’re caring for a loved one on their healthy aging journey, we have tools and resources to help you too. Get Caregiver tools

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Drug lists for Medicare plans

Transportation services

Food delivery

Caregiver support groups

Virtual visits and 24-hour nurse line

You don’t have to wait for your annual visit to get your questions answered. Schedule an online visit today with
Virtual Care by Teladoc Health® to start the conversation around healthy aging or call our 24-hour nurse line:

Medicare Advantage members with Blue Cross (PPO), call
1-844-811-8460.

Medicare Advantage members with Blue Care Network (HMO and HMO-POS), call 1-855-624-5214.

TTY users, call 711.

Virtual visit with nurse patient listening

Trusted resources for healthy aging

Article about reducing risks of falls at home.

Prevent falls at home

Your home should be a safe place. Follow these steps to limit your risk at home.

Read article
Video discussion about bladder control and aging

Bladder control as you age

Incontinence and urine leakage is a concern for many. Watch this discussion on aging and bladder control.

Watch video
Healthy aging with physical fitness

Staying physically fit

Regular physical activity is important and some physical activity is better than none, so get started today.

Read article

Caregiver caring for family member

Talking to a healthcare provider about a loved one's health

Consistent signs of physical, mental or behavioral changes in your loved ones could indicate that it’s time to reach out to a provider.

Read more
Article about SilverSneakers

Make the most of SilverSneakers

Thanks to SilverSneakers flexible design, you can access both in-person fitness classes at thousands of locations across the U.S., as well as virtual fitness classes and workshops at no extra cost.

Read More
Article about staying physically active while you age.

Physical activity and older adults

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health, especially as an older adult.

Read more

Healthy aging webinars

Join a webinar or watch a prerecorded one to learn more about staying healthy as you age.

Burnalong is a registered trademark of Burnalong, Inc. SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc. © 2024 Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved. SSFP5519_0224. Tivity Health is an independent corporation retained by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network to provide health and fitness services to its Medicare Plus Blue PPO and BCN Advantage HMO-POS and HMO members.

Teladoc Health® is an independent company that provides Virtual Care Solutions for Blue Cross Blue 
Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network.

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2021. “Facts about Falls.” https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats.
  2. Gorina Y, Schappert S, Bercovitz A, et al. Prevalence of incontinence among older Americans. National Center for Health Statistics.
  3. Urology Care Foundation. Urinary Incontinence Basics. Urinary Incontinence Basics - Urology Care Foundation (urologyhealth.org).