It’s always important to keep a steady line of communication between yourself and your primary care physician. You may be used to simply answering the doctor’s questions, but in order for them to truly get a picture of what’s going on, it’s helpful for them to receive information from you in the form of questions. Careage Senior Living has compiled a few examples of good questions for you or your loved one to ask your doctor as you age.

How Can I Prevent Falls?

According to the CDC, the leading cause for all injury-related deaths among those 65 and older is falling. While you or your loved one may not have any significant mobility issues, there’s always the danger of falling out of bed or a random slip-up. You may want to ask your doctor if they have any suggestions for mobility aids or safety features you can install at home or in your room, like fall mats.

Do I Still Need to be on This Medication?

As we age, many seniors get used to taking a cocktail of medications every day. Often, we fall into the habit of automatically taking medications that we don’t even remember the purpose for. While it may turn out that you do need to remain on your current medication routine, it’s possible that some of the pills you’re taking are unnecessary. Regularly reviewing your medications with your doctor should be part of your health routine.

Should I Change My Diet?

Your doctor may ask you what foods you generally eat without commenting on your answer. Make sure to follow up on conversations relating to your diet. Your doctor may have some suggestions for supplements or replacements for your diet that will help improve your health.

Are These Memory Problems Normal?

We all tend to forget more frequently as we age, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between ordinary forgetfulness and absentmindedness and the beginnings of Alzheimer’s or dementia. According to the National Institute on Aging, some memory issues like having trouble following recipes and directions or getting lost in familiar places are signs to start talking to a doctor.

Is This Activity Still Safe?

As you age, it’s important to check in with your doctor regarding your hobbies and routines. It’s possible that habits like morning runs or nightly drinks might be more detrimental to your health than you realize. Your doctor can let you know if these activities are still safe to perform and can give you plenty of alternatives if not.

We hope this list of questions to ask your doctor was helpful. It’s always important to be transparent with health professionals, and they’ll always be there to answer any questions you might have. For more information about health and safety for seniors, check out the Careage blog.