Every May, the United States observes Older Americans Month — a time to recognize the contributions, resilience, and wisdom of older adults across the country. This year’s theme, “Champion Your Health” is a call to action for every older adult in our community to take an active, confident role in their own health and well-being — not as a patient waiting for instructions, but as an informed, empowered advocate for themselves.
At The Elder Beat, that is a message we believe in deeply. Here is what championing your health might look like right here in Happy Valley and Clackamas.
Stay Current on Preventive Care
Preventive screenings and checkups are among the most powerful tools available for catching health issues early — when they are most treatable. Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services at no cost to you, including annual wellness visits, cancer screenings, bone density tests, and much more. If you are not sure what preventive care you are entitled to, your Medicare plan’s member services line is a good starting point — or visit medicare.gov and search for preventive services to see a full list.
If you do not have a primary care provider you trust and see regularly, finding one is one of the most important health investments you can make. Providence Health and Kaiser Permanente both have local providers serving Happy Valley and Clackamas who are welcoming new patients.
Advocate for Yourself
Championing your health means speaking up in medical settings — asking questions, requesting explanations in plain language, and making sure your concerns are heard and addressed. Research consistently shows that patients who actively participate in their own care have better outcomes than those who defer entirely to their providers.
Before your next appointment, write down your questions and bring them with you. Do not leave until you understand your diagnosis, your treatment options, and what steps you are expected to take. If something does not feel right, it is always appropriate to seek a second opinion. Your health is too important to leave unaddressed.
Make Informed Decisions
Being a health champion means staying informed about your options — including the programs, resources, and services available to you locally. Here are a few worth knowing about this Older Americans Month:
Oregon 211 — a free, around-the-clock information and referral service connecting older adults with local health and social services. Dial 2-1-1 from any phone.
SilverSneakers — a free fitness benefit included with many Medicare Advantage and supplement plans that gives you access to local gyms, fitness classes, and online wellness programs. Visit silversneakers.com to check your eligibility.
Bold — a free app available to Kaiser Permanente members that delivers personalized strength and balance programs designed specifically for older adults, accessible from home without any equipment.
Oregon Prescription Drug Program — helps qualifying Oregonians reduce the cost of prescription medications. Visit orpdp.org to check eligibility.
Benefits.gov — the official federal government site for finding benefit programs you may be eligible for but not yet receiving. Many older adults are surprised to discover programs they did not know about.
Stay Active
Physical activity is one of the most evidence-based investments any older adult can make in their own health. Regular movement reduces the risk of falls, supports cognitive function, lifts mood, and helps people stay in their homes longer. It does not need to be intense or expensive — a daily walk around the neighborhood, a chair yoga class at the library, or a water aerobics session at a local pool all count.
Happy Valley and Clackamas offer plenty of options for active older adults, from the trails at Scouters Mountain Nature Park to senior fitness programs at local community centers. We’ll cover many of these options in more detail in a future post on fitness for older adults.
Stay Connected
Here at The Elder Beat we would add one more dimension to the “Champion Your Health” theme that does not always make it into the official messaging: social connection is health. Research is unambiguous that loneliness and social isolation carry serious physical and mental health consequences for older adults — comparable in impact to smoking and obesity. Staying connected to neighbors, friends, family, and community is not a luxury. It is medicine.
If isolation is something you or someone you know is experiencing, please know that resources and people exist in our community who genuinely want to help. Our resource directory at TheElderBeat.org includes a section on social programs and community connection specifically for older adults in Happy Valley and Clackamas.
Champion Your Health — Starting Today
You do not need to do everything at once. Pick one thing — schedule that overdue appointment, check your SilverSneakers eligibility, take a walk with a neighbor, or spend ten minutes on Benefits.gov. One step is all it takes to start.
Happy Older Americans Month from The Elder Beat. We are proud to be part of a community full of health champions. What is one way you are championing your health this May? Share it in the comments — your idea might inspire someone else in our community to take that first step.