Start the Year Strong: Prioritize Preventive Care for Yourself and Your Loved Ones in 2026
As we age, our healthcare needs often become more complex, making preventive care increasingly important. For older adults, staying proactive about health can lead to a more vibrant and independent life. Start 2026 right and make wellness your goal – not only for yourself, but for those who love and care about you!
What is Preventive Care?
The goal of preventive care is to identify potential health issues early to prevent them from getting worse. This involves regular check-ups and screenings, vaccinations, and making lifestyle choices that can help prevent illness and support healthy aging.
At CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), our goal is to catch problems early or help prevent them altogether, so that our participants can avoid unnecessary hospital stays and remain living in their own home and communities for as long as possible. The importance of Preventive Care is illustrated by the average emergency department visit and hospital admission rates in our participants compared to the nationwide rate:
In general, Preventive Care includes:
- Regular visits to your primary care provider and annual physical exams can facilitate early detection of issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic diseases.
- Recommended screenings include cholesterol, cancer (such as colon, breast, and prostate), blood pressure, osteoporosis, vision, and hearing tests.
- Regular dental visits.
- Immunizations like the flu shot, shingles vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, and COVID-19 boosters help prevent serious illnesses that can be especially dangerous for older adults.
- Screening for depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline is crucial for emotional well-being and social engagement.
- Regular medication reviews ensure what you are taking is still appropriate for your current condition and help prevent harmful drug interactions or side effects.
It’s not too late: make healthy lifestyle choices your new year’s resolution!
Taking care of your own wellness is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and ease your loved ones’ worries. In addition, remind your family and friends about the importance of preventive care to ensure that they, too, can avoid health problems.
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports your immune system and energy levels. CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants can consult their dietitian, who will help determine a meal plan that is right for them.
Regular exercise, such as walking, Taichi, or yoga can improve mobility, balance, and heart health. Even gentle activities can make a big difference. If you are a CenterLight Healthcare PACE participant, you can attend the PACE center to join engaging activities including exercise groups, speak with your Physical and Occupational Therapists, and attend the open gym.
Connecting with friends, family, and community groups can help maintain emotional health and reduce feelings of isolation. CenterLight participants can enjoy more than 100 activities at the PACE center each month, designed according to their cultural and individual preferences.
Restful sleep can improve memory, mood, and overall health. Speak with your medical provider if you are having issues such as insomnia.
Overcoming Barriers to Preventive Care
Older adults may face challenges such as transportation, limited movement, financial constraints, or lack of awareness about available services. Family members, caregivers, and community organizations can play a vital role in helping them access preventive care.
If you are a CenterLight Healthcare PACE participant, remember that you have access to transportation to and from your medical appointments and the PACE center. See your medical provider regularly. In addition, your care team, made up of doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, dietitians, and therapeutic recreation specialists, among others, will schedule assessments every six months to ensure that your care plan is up to date. Notify your care team regarding any change in condition so that we can help right away.
In conclusion...
Preventive care is a cornerstone of healthy aging. By staying informed, attending regular check-ups, and embracing healthy habits, older adults can enjoy a higher quality of life. If you or your loved ones are unsure where to start, consult a healthcare provider to develop a personalized preventive care plan. Small steps today can lead to big benefits tomorrow.
CenterLight Healthcare PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their medical provider regarding their care.
About the Author
Patricia Connelly serves as Chief Operations Officer at CenterLight Healthcare. Inspired by her mother who is a retired registered nurse, Patty built her career around a passion for caring for others. When asked what she enjoys most about working in healthcare, Patty shares that engaging with the participants who rely on CenterLight for their care is the most rewarding and fulfilling part of her role. “It is inspiring to hear their stories and to know that we make a meaningful difference in their lives,” she says.
Sources:
National Center for Health Statistics | The Commonwealth Fund
CenterLight data obtained through monthly Quality Performance Improvement measures.
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Updated January 5, 2026