Older Adults (60+)
Health Journey
STAY STRONG FOR THE ONES WHO NEED YOU MOST.
Going to a check-up when you feel fine? That’s the point. You can catch small things before they become big things. Being healthy keeps you independent and with your family longer.
HERE’S THE TRUTH: Your health provider works for you. You’re in charge. They’re your support.
This roadmap is your yearly guide.
START TODAY, NOT MAÑANA.
I avoided doctors for years. THEN I FOUND ONE WHO ACTUALLY LISTENED. Now I understand why my check-ups matter.
Rosa, 68, retired and full-time grandma.
Take your first steps
- Find a health provider
- Schedule your yearly checkup
- Bring this guide with you
The basics
- Check-ups and screenings
- Vaccines
- Mental health
- Lifestyle
Check-ups & Screenings
See your primary care provider and eye doctor every year, your dentist every 6 months, and hearing checks as needed.
Bring questions. Bring someone with you that can help. If something doesn’t make sense, ask again.
Know your numbers:
Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight. These numbers tell your story.
Vaccines
- Get your yearly COVID and flu shots.
- Every 10 Years: Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine
whole mental health
- Feeling stressed, worried, or down? That’s not weakness, that’s life. Talk to your health provider.
- Depression and anxiety can be treated.
Living well every day
- Take Care of Your Body: Move it. Feed it well. Rest it.
- Wear sunscreen. Stay close to your people and what gives you peace.
Starting at 50+:
Pneumonia vaccine
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine (if you’re at higher risk)
Shingles vaccine (2 doses)
Everyone Needs:
Abdominal aorta check (if you’ve smoked) simple ultrasound can save your life
Colon cancer screening (every 10 years) catches cancer when it’s easiest to treat
Fall risk check did you know falls are the #1 reason older adults end up in the hospital?
Lung screening (if you smoke or smoked)
Memory check catching changes early helps you and your family plan.
Safety talk you deserve to feel safe at home
Skin checks after years in the Texas sun, it matters
Sexually transmitted diseases tests (STD) Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C tests as needed.
New Conversations:
FOR WOMEN
Bladder leakage? tell your health provider, it’s treatable
Bone density test at 65
Mammogram and breast exam
Pap test every 5 years until 65
FOR MEN
Prostate screening: talk with your health provider to see if it’s right for you
FOR BOTH WOMEN AND MEN
Go over your medications with your provider on a regular basis.
Plan for future healthcare needs with advance directives.
Talk to your health provider about whether you need an arthritis test.
REMEMBER
You are a gift
YOUR STORIES, YOUR WISDOM, YOUR PRESENCE, THEY ALL MATTER.
Every checkup keeps you here longer for the people who need you.
YOU DESERVE A HEALTH PROVIDER WHO LISTENS.
You deserve clean answers. You deserve respectful care.
YOU MATTER. YOUR HEALTH MATTERS.
YOUR FAMILY NEEDS YOU HERE.
My health checklist
Basic checks, starting at 65:
- Aorta check (if smoked)
- Arthritis testing
- Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, weight
- Colon/skin/lung screening
- Fall risk and memory check
- Hearing and vision
- Safety talk
- STDs, HIV, and Hepatitis C testing
Women:
- Bone density test
- Mammogram
- Pap test every 5 years until 65
Men:
- Prostate talk
Vaccines:
- COVID
- Flu
- Pneumonia
- RSV
- Shingles
- Tetanus, Diptheria, and acellular Pertussis (TDaP) vaccine (every 10 years)
This campaign was made possible by Bexar County.
HAVE HEALTH QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE.
Health Confianza is a community health program that helps people in Bexar County feel more confident about the steps they can take to be healthy. We use health literacy best practices to make it easier for people to understand information and make informed health decisions. Founded in 2021, Health Confianza is based at The University of Texas at San Antonio. By training health professionals and partnering with local organizations, we have engaged thousands of community members to support their well‑being.