Take Charge of Your Health as You Age
Aging is a natural part of life. Staying ahead of physical and mental changes prevents health problems and improves quality of life. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are committed to helping you age with confidence.
You’re not alone
We all age. And with age come unexpected changes. It’s natural to feel uneasy when speaking with your doctor about health issues like falling and incontinence. Your doctor can talk through and provide support for these issues during your annual wellness visit.
Your journey to a healthier you starts here
Annual wellness visit
Your annual wellness visit* is your chance to take control of your health. Available both in person or virtually, this visit is a great time to discuss all aspects of aging with your doctor.
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$0 appointment cost
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Health assessment
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Medication, family and medical history review
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Personalized annual prevention plan
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Focus on prevention, long-term health and health risks
Annual physical
Your annual physical is another key piece of your yearly health care routine. Regular physical exams can help identify any health issues that may develop as you age.
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Fully covered or a copay
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Head-to-toe physical examination
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Medication, family and medical history review
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Screenings and lab work
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Focus on current health concerns
Topics to discuss with your doctor
Fall prevention
Avoiding falls prevents serious injuries. Maintaining good balance and muscle strength can help you keep a safe and active lifestyle while building your confidence.
Why people fall
- Poor eyesight, hearing or reflexes
- Unexpected side effects of medications
- Known or unknown medical conditions
- Gradual or sudden loss of muscle mass
- Physical problems with balance and gait
Ways to prevent falls
- Staying physically active
- Knowing the effects of medications
- Choosing the right footwear
- Having your eyes and hearing tested
If you’ve experienced a recent fall, talk to your primary care provider. Your doctor can prescribe physical aids such as crutches, wheelchairs and braces that may be included in your plan. Log in to your online member account to view your coverage.
Don’t have a member account? It only takes a few minutes to register.
Bladder control
Incontinence and urinary leakage affect millions of adults every day. Addressing this issue can improve your quality of life and build your confidence by preventing urinary tract infections, skin irritation and falls from rushing to the restroom. There are several types of incontinence, including:
- Urge incontinence – experiencing a sudden, involuntary bladder contraction
- Stress incontinence – leakage during physical activity, sneezing or coughing
- Overflow incontinence – inability of bladder to fully empty due to an obstruction
- Uncharacterized incontinence – due to cognitive impairment
Pelvic floor exercises, weight management, bladder training, medications and surgery options are available to reduce your risks. Primary care providers will generally refer their patients to a urologist for a diagnosis and care plan. Your annual wellness visit is the perfect time to discuss this topic with your provider.
Physical activity
Eating right and staying active helps you prevent disease and age well. You should consult your provider before beginning any new exercise routine.
Questions for your provider
- What types of exercises are best for me?
- Are there any activities or exercises I should avoid?
- How does my health affect my ability to exercise?
- What are some signs that I’m pushing too hard or not hard enough?
Tips for improving your physical activity
- Park farther away from your destination
- Attend fitness classes online or in person
- Walk around while talking on the phone
- Consider chair exercises to maintain strength
- Join a program like SilverSneakers®
Mental health
Positive mental health empowers you to make healthy lifestyle choices, manage stress and reduce the risk of chronic conditions, ultimately supporting your physical health. From self-guided care to one-on-one appointments with a licensed professional, determining your needs is the first step.
Self care
- Try yoga, meditation or Tai Chi
- Invite a friend to go on a walk or video chat
- Discover a new hobby or pastime
- Be aware of the effects of using alcohol and medications
Ways to prevent falls
- Staying physically active
- Knowing the effects of medications
- Choosing the right footwear
- Having your eyes and hearing tested
If you feel you need professional help, you can get mental health support online or in person. There are many resources available to you through your health plan at no additional cost.
Preventive care
Preventive care is a vital part of your overall health. Detecting health issues early keeps them from becoming worse, makes treatment easier and saves you money in the long run.
Make sure to put these preventive care visits on your calendar:
- Annual wellness visit
- Annual physical
- Screenings like breast and colorectal cancer and blood pressure
- Vaccines
- Dental visits
- Eye exams
Fall prevention
Avoiding falls prevents serious injuries. Maintaining good balance and muscle strength can help you keep a safe and active lifestyle while building your confidence.
Why people fall
- Poor eyesight, hearing or reflexes
- Unexpected side effects of medications
- Known or unknown medical conditions
- Gradual or sudden loss of muscle mass
- Physical problems with balance and gait
Ways to prevent falls
- Staying physically active
- Knowing the effects of medications
- Choosing the right footwear
- Having your eyes and hearing tested
If you’ve experienced a recent fall, talk to your primary care provider. Your doctor can prescribe physical aids such as crutches, wheelchairs and braces that may be included in your plan. Log in to your online member account to view your coverage.
Don’t have a member account? It only takes a few minutes to register.
Bladder control
Incontinence and urinary leakage affect millions of adults every day. Addressing this issue can improve your quality of life and build your confidence by preventing urinary tract infections, skin irritation and falls from rushing to the restroom. There are several types of incontinence, including:
- Urge incontinence – experiencing a sudden, involuntary bladder contraction
- Stress incontinence – leakage during physical activity, sneezing or coughing
- Overflow incontinence – inability of bladder to fully empty due to an obstruction
- Uncharacterized incontinence – due to cognitive impairment
Pelvic floor exercises, weight management, bladder training, medications and surgery options are available to reduce your risks. Primary care providers will generally refer their patients to a urologist for a diagnosis and care plan. Your annual wellness visit is the perfect time to discuss this topic with your provider.
Physical activity
Eating right and staying active helps you prevent disease and age well. You should consult your provider before beginning any new exercise routine.
Questions for your provider
- What types of exercises are best for me?
- Are there any activities or exercises I should avoid?
- How does my health affect my ability to exercise?
- What are some signs that I’m pushing too hard or not hard enough?
Tips for improving your physical activity
- Park farther away from your destination
- Attend fitness classes online or in person
- Walk around while talking on the phone
- Consider chair exercises to maintain strength
- Join a program like SilverSneakers®
Mental health
Positive mental health empowers you to make healthy lifestyle choices, manage stress and reduce the risk of chronic conditions, ultimately supporting your physical health. From self-guided care to one-on-one appointments with a licensed professional, determining your needs is the first step.
Self care
- Try yoga, meditation or Tai Chi
- Invite a friend to go on a walk or video chat
- Discover a new hobby or pastime
- Be aware of the effects of using alcohol and medications
Ways to prevent falls
- Staying physically active
- Knowing the effects of medications
- Choosing the right footwear
- Having your eyes and hearing tested
If you feel you need professional help, you can get mental health support online or in person. There are many resources available to you through your health plan at no additional cost.
Preventive care
Preventive care is a vital part of your overall health. Detecting health issues early keeps them from becoming worse, makes treatment easier and saves you money in the long run.
Make sure to put these preventive care visits on your calendar:
- Annual wellness visit
- Annual physical
- Screenings like breast and colorectal cancer and blood pressure
- Vaccines
- Dental visits
- Eye exams
Stay active and save
Get fit with SilverSneakers®
Eligible members can join online classes or a gym at no extra cost.
Find discounts with Blue365®
Get discounts on fitness, nutrition and more.
Get care and tips from home
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Speak remotely with doctors, psychiatrists and licensed therapists.
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Talk to a registered nurse about tips for healthy aging.
Prevent falls at home
Your home should be a safe place. Follow these steps to limit your risks.
Read the fall prevention article
Improving bladder control
Incontinence and urine leakage are a concern for many. Watch this discussion on aging and bladder control.
Read about improving bladder control
Staying physically fit
Regular physical activity is important. Some activity is better than none, so get started today.
Read more about physical fitness
Talk to a health care provider
Consistent signs of physical, mental or behavioral changes in a loved one could mean that it’s time to reach out to a provider.
Read about caring for a family member
Make the most of SilverSneakers
Access both in-person fitness and virtual classes and workshops at thousands of locations across the U.S. at no extra cost.
Find out more about SilverSneakers
Staying active as you age
Taking walks, swimming and hiking are just some of the ways to keep active.
Find ways to stay active
*Your annual wellness visit can’t take place within the first 12 months of your Part B enrollment or Welcome to Medicare exam. A Welcome exam occurs instead of an annual wellness visit in the first year of Medicare enrollment. Source: Medicare.gov.
1. Get the Facts on Falls Prevention.
2. Urinary Incontinence in Women.
3. Prevalence, Structure, and Risk Factors for Mental Disorders in Older People.
SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc. © 2025 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.
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