September brings a powerful dual focus for older adults: embracing the vibrant possibilities of getting older while taking charge of critical preventive health. With both Healthy Aging Month and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month sharing the calendar, it is the perfect time to reset your routines, try something new, and schedule those life-saving health screenings.
Embrace Healthy Aging: Curiosity Has No Age Limit
Healthy Aging Month is all about shifting the focus to the positive aspects of growing older. This year’s theme, “Curiosity Has No Age Limit,” serves as a reminder that our later years are prime time for discovery. Research consistently shows that staying mentally and socially engaged can significantly improve quality of life and cognitive health.
When we remain curious, we naturally stay more active. Whether it is joining a local walking group, learning how to play pickleball, or finally mastering a new piece of technology to video chat with grandkids, stepping outside your comfort zone keeps your brain sharp and your body moving. Think of September as a “back-to-school” season for adults- a time to pick up a new hobby, read a book on an unfamiliar topic, or explore a new part of your community.
Prioritize Prostate Health: Knowledge is Power
While you are engaging your mind, September is also the time to protect your body. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among American men, and the risk increases significantly as we age. Because early prostate cancer often has no symptoms, proactive screening is your best defense.
The good news is that when caught early, prostate cancer is highly treatable. If you are 55 or older, or have a family history of the disease, it is time to have a candid conversation with your doctor about your risk factors.
4 Action Steps for September
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Schedule your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit: Use this dedicated time to create or update your personalized prevention plan. This visit is completely covered by Medicare and is the perfect time to review your overall health.
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Ask about the PSA test: Men should ask their healthcare provider if a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is right for them. Your doctor can help you weigh the benefits of screening based on your personal health history.
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Fuel your body for longevity: A heart-healthy diet is also a prostate-healthy diet. Focus on incorporating more tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cauliflower), and healthy fats into your meals, which studies suggest may support prostate health.
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Try one new activity: Challenge yourself to do one thing you have never done before by the end of the month. It could be taking a local art class, trying tai chi, or volunteering for a cause you care about.
Taking control of your health and maintaining a sense of wonder are two sides of the same coin. By staying curious about the world and proactive about your medical care, you set the stage for a fulfilling, active, and healthy retirement.
Build a Financial Safety Net, or, “Package of Protection” for the Unexpected
While preventive care is your best defense, it is equally important to protect yourself financially from the unexpected. Even with comprehensive Medicare coverage, a sudden hospitalization or a serious diagnosis can bring unexpected out-of-pocket costs, from deductibles to travel expenses for specialized care. This September, take a proactive step by reaching out to your health plan broker to ask about supplemental coverage, such as hospital indemnity plans or Cancer, Heart Attack, and Stroke policies. These affordable plans work differently than standard health insurance: if you are hospitalized or diagnosed with a covered condition, they may pay a lump-sum cash benefit directly to you, not the doctor. You can use those funds however you need- whether for medical copays, household bills, or recovery support- allowing you to focus entirely on your health rather than your wallet.