Healthy aging: preparing for a healthcare appointment

When it comes to your health, your best source of information will be a healthcare provider. For adults who are in their 50s, 60s, and older, regular appointments with a healthcare provider are essential to monitoring your health, addressing health concerns, and knowing your risk of age-related health conditions.

Before your appointment

• Are there any special instructions? For example, some tests and exams require you to fast for a period of time beforehand. Get clear instructions when you make your appointment.
• Does your provider need any information? If you need to supply your healthcare provider with medical records, test results, or insurance information, you’ll want to organize this paperwork before the appointment.
• Do you want to bring a family member or friend? This person can help you take notes during the appointment and also provide support.
• What do you want to discuss? Prioritize what you want to discuss at the appointment. If there is some aspect of your health that you are concerned about or you are experiencing a symptom, discussing this topic should be your priority.

Questions about health and lifestyle

• How would your provider describe your overall health?
• What are your target levels for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight?
• What screenings or tests should you have at your age?
• What vaccines do you need, and are there any updates?
• Are there any specialists that your healthcare provider recommends seeing?
• Be prepared to talk about your habits, including your diet, physical activity level, and any substance use (including alcohol). Be honest, even if some questions seem personal.
• Be prepared to discuss your sleep habits, including the number of hours you sleep each night, if you feel you are getting enough sleep, and if you feel rested after sleeping.
• Be prepared to discuss any existing health conditions you have, or that you have been treated for in the past.
• Be prepared to discuss any major life changes, both positive and negative.

Questions about symptoms

• How would you describe the symptom to your healthcare provider?
• How long have you had the symptom? Is it constant, or does it get better and worse at times?
• Do you notice anything that makes it better or worse?
• How does the symptom affect your everyday life?

Questions about medical tests

• Why is this test being performed?
• How do you need to prepare for the test?
• Are there any risks or side effects?
• Will you be able to drive yourself to and from the appointment?
• How and when will you get the test results?
• What happens after you get the test results?

Questions about medications

• Review any current medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and vitamins.
• Are there any medications your provider recommends you stop taking?
• Are there any medications your provider recommends you start taking?
• Are there any potential side effects for medications you are taking or medications your healthcare provider is recommending?
• Is there any risk of drug interactions?

Questions about mental health

• Tell your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your mental health, such as depressed moods, negative emotions, feelings of isolation, or changes in behavior.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you feel you are under a lot of stress or are experiencing anxiety.
• Again, be honest if your healthcare provider asks questions that seem personal. Remember, your healthcare provider is there to help you.
• If you feel something is wrong, ask your healthcare provider about ways that you can address the problem.

Questions about memory

• Tell your healthcare provider if you’ve noticed any changes in your memory or thinking. Use the symptoms section above as a guide.
• Does your healthcare provider recommend any exams or tests to evaluate cognitive function and memory?

After your appointment

Have clear instructions about what you need to do after your appointment, including making follow-up appointments and filling prescriptions.