Blog

Throughout my career as a clinician, I have seen firsthand the concerns and challenges that cognitive issues give older adults. They fear they’ll lose their memory, their independence, and become a burden to their loved ones. The questions they ask most often are if their “forgetfulness” is just natural aging, or if they’re developing a form of dementia. They are often scared of the answer because they think there is little they can do about it.  

Diabetes does not discriminate with age. Though adults aged 45–64 receive the majority of new diabetes diagnoses in the U.S., the country has also seen increases in disease prevalence among those 18-44. Most people who develop diabetes as adults develop type 2 diabetes. Even more concerning is that nearly 90% of those who have prediabetes, and thus have an increased risk of developing the disease, aren’t aware they have it. 

October is National Health Literacy Month. The mission is to create a more equitable world where everyone can access high-quality care and achieve positive health outcomes.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), health literacy is important for everyone because, at some point in our lives, we will all need to find, understand, and use health information and services. Adequate levels of health literacy can help us maintain good health, access early disease detection, and better manage health problems when they arise. 

As a clinician dedicated to helping adults age in their homes, I've witnessed firsthand the pivotal role that proactive health management plays in maintaining a high quality of life. Aging gracefully is not just about adding years to your life, but also ensuring those years are vibrant and fulfilling — spent out of the hospital with as much independence and autonomy as possible. 

At Signify Health, a CVS Health® company, our mission is to build trusted relationships to make people healthier. Our national network of more than 12,000 clinicians works to help people gain a more comprehensive view of their health by conducting In-Home Health Evaluations (IHEs). During an IHE, clinicians identify chronic conditions, close gaps in care, and address social determinants of health, making it possible for health plan members to get connected to the right care for their unique needs.