Seniors: 4 proactive health steps that can save you money

As you age, it's normal to seek ways to stay healthy so you can continue enjoying your life to the fullest. But did you know many approaches that help you feel healthier can also save you money?

It's all too easy to skip screenings or delay doctor visits for issues you hope are minor. You may think you're saving money on co-pays, but preventive care is the best medicine to help you safeguard your health and your bank account. In other words, there's truth behind the adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Here are ways taking action now can make a big impact down the road.

1. Take Advantage of Covered Screenings

Whether you're on Medicare or other insurance, you're leaving money on the table if you don't get screenings and other services covered by your plan.

Find your coverage confusing? Call Medicare or your insurer to learn what's free of cost. This may include annual flu shots, mammograms, prostate cancer screenings and colonoscopies, diabetes screenings and more.

Once you know which services are fully covered, schedule your appointments immediately. Many conditions and diseases are far easier to prevent or successfully manage if caught early, which means they'll cost you far less in terms of medical bills — and your health.

2. Schedule a Comprehensive Yearly Eye Exam

Many people who are conscientious about yearly wellness exams may neglect including an eye exam. However, there are good reasons to ensure your vision and eye health stays atop your list, especially as you age.

Recent studies have found uncorrected vision can impact your quality of life and your income. Research from Prevent Blindness America found that not only does visual impairment and blindness have a significant impact on the U.S. economy, but among those 40 and older results in significantly higher medical expenses and reduced quality of life.

Do you find squinting at a computer all day is taking its toll on your vision, or certain work tasks are becoming more challenging? If you miss important details or make errors on the job, it's possible your vision could be standing in the way of better work performance. You'll also be saving money if corrected vision prevents costly events like traffic accidents.

As you age, it's more important than ever to ensure that your vision is corrected for key health and safety reasons, and that you're screened for glaucoma, cataracts and other conditions that are more easily treatable or managed if discovered in early stages.

If you've put off getting a comprehensive eye exam out of concern for the cost, you can save on your next eye exam with a vision insurance plan from VSP^® Individual Vision Plans that start at as little as $13/month. VSP has a large doctor network with private-practice and retail locations, and you can choose to use your benefits online. Plus, plans offer up to 30% savings on lens enhancements with 20% savings on additional glasses or sunglasses, from a VSP network doctor within 12 months of your last exam. Best yet, you can purchase a vision insurance plan at any time, with no need to wait for open enrollment or waiting periods.

Start here to find the best vision plan for you, and compare plans to find one that meets your needs at VSPDirect.com.

3. Don't Forget Your Hearing!

Similar to eye care, hearing is often overlooked, but can have a profound impact on your health, safety and well-being. Recent studies have found hearing loss to be associated with mental health concerns like depression, plus cognitive issues including dementia. In addition, wearing hearing aids if you've experienced hearing loss can prevent costly falls, according to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Association.

Because hearing loss can occur gradually over time, it's crucial to get tested to find out if you could benefit from hearing aids or other interventions. Many of today's options are less costly than in previous years, so they're well worth exploring if you discover your hearing has decreased.

4. One Simple Step

For a cost-effective way to improve your overall health, you can't do much better than simple walking. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of brisk walking per week (just over 20 minutes per day) can help reduce your risk of heart disease and other serious health conditions that can add up to big medical bills. Walking also helps lower stress, improve sleep and boost your mental health. That's a pretty good return on your investment (and only requires a good pair of walking shoes).

For beginners, check with your doctor before starting an exercise program. Then, take it slowly at first: Walk at a leisurely pace around the block. Each day, try adding a little more distance to your walk or pick up your speed. Bad weather? Choose mall walking, a community center indoor walking area or just around your house.

Following these simple, proactive steps, you can help ensure your overall health, as well as the health of your wallet, at any age.