Staying healthy in your 60s, 70s, and beyond is about more than just feeling good today — it is about catching potential problems early and building habits that keep you independent and active for years to come. Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services at no cost to you, yet many seniors skip these lifesaving screenings simply because they are not sure which ones they need or when to schedule them.

As we move through 2026, understanding what preventive care is available under Medicare — and why it matters — can make all the difference in your long-term health and quality of life. Let us walk through the five essential screenings every senior should have on their calendar this year, along with practical tips for staying on top of your wellness routine.

Why Preventive Care Matters More as We Age

As we enter our 60s and 70s, our bodies go through natural changes that can increase the risk of certain chronic conditions. High blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain cancers become more common — but when caught early, many of these conditions are highly manageable. Preventive screenings are designed to detect problems before symptoms appear, giving you and your doctor a head start on treatment.

According to recent research from Stanford Medicine, adopting healthy habits in our 60s and 70s — including regular checkups and screenings — can significantly extend both lifespan and what researchers call healthspan, the number of years you live in good health. The earlier you build these habits, the greater the payoff.

Medicare Part B covers most preventive services at 100% when you see a provider who accepts assignment. That means no copays, no deductibles — just smart, proactive care.

1. Annual Wellness Visit and Physical Exam

Your Annual Wellness Visit is the cornerstone of preventive care under Medicare. This appointment is not a head-to-toe physical exam — rather, it is a focused visit where you and your doctor review your medical history, update your list of medications, check your blood pressure and weight, and create a personalized prevention plan for the year ahead.

Medicare covers this visit once every 12 months at no cost to you. It is also the perfect opportunity to discuss which screenings you are due for and to ask any health questions that have been on your mind. Many seniors find that keeping a simple health journal between visits helps them remember concerns they want to raise.

Tip: Bring a list of all medications — including over-the-counter supplements — to every Annual Wellness Visit. This helps your doctor spot potential drug interactions and ensure nothing is missed.

2. Cardiovascular Disease Screenings

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among older adults in the United States. The good news is that Medicare covers several key cardiovascular screenings at no cost:

• Blood pressure screening — covered annually at your wellness visit
• Cholesterol and lipid panel — covered every five years
• Cardiovascular behavioral therapy — an annual visit to discuss diet, exercise, and heart-healthy habits with your doctor

High blood pressure and elevated cholesterol often have no symptoms, which makes them especially dangerous. Regular screening is the only way to know where you stand. If your numbers are elevated, your doctor can work with you on a plan that may include dietary changes, increased physical activity, or medication to bring things back into a healthy range.

3. Cancer Screenings: Catching Problems Early

Medicare covers several cancer screenings that are essential for seniors:

• Mammogram — covered once every 12 months for women age 40 and older
• Colorectal cancer screening — covered with no copay; options include colonoscopy (every 10 years for most people), FIT kit (yearly), or Cologuard (every 3 years)
• Prostate cancer screening — covered with a PSA blood test once every 12 months for men over 50
• Lung cancer screening — covered annually for adults age 50-77 who have a heavy smoking history

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when caught early, yet many seniors delay their screening out of discomfort or inconvenience. At-home FIT kits have made screening far simpler — just a small sample mailed to a lab with no prep or sedation required. Talk to your doctor about which option is right for you.

4. Diabetes Prevention and Management

More than one in four seniors has diabetes, and many more have prediabetes without knowing it. Medicare Part B covers:

• Diabetes screening — up to two screenings per year if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, obesity, or a family history of diabetes
• Diabetes self-management training — covered for those diagnosed with diabetes to help you learn how to monitor blood sugar, take medications properly, and make healthy food choices
• Medical nutrition therapy — covered for those with diabetes or kidney disease to work with a registered dietitian

The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program is also available at no cost to seniors with prediabetes. This structured program helps you make lasting lifestyle changes — better eating habits, increased physical activity, and healthy weight management — that can actually prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

5. Bone Density and Fall Risk Assessment

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle, making falls far more dangerous. One in three adults over 65 falls each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults. Medicare covers:

• Bone density test — covered once every 24 months (more often if medically necessary) for women at risk and anyone with certain conditions
• Fall risk assessment — your doctor can assess your balance, gait, and home environment as part of your Annual Wellness Visit

If a bone density test shows signs of osteopenia or osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements, weight-bearing exercise, or medication to strengthen your bones. Simple home modifications — removing throw rugs, installing grab bars in the bathroom, improving lighting — can dramatically reduce your fall risk.

Building a Year-Round Wellness Routine

Preventive screenings are just one piece of the puzzle. Pairing them with healthy daily habits multiplies their benefit. Consider adding these simple practices to your routine:

• Stay active — even 20-30 minutes of walking each day improves cardiovascular health, bone density, and mood
• Eat a balanced diet — focus on lean protein, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats
• Stay socially connected — loneliness is linked to higher rates of chronic disease; call a friend, join a class, or volunteer
• Keep up with medications — use a pill organizer or set phone reminders so you never miss a dose

Know Your Medicare Coverage

Understanding what Medicare covers — and what it does not — is essential for planning your preventive care. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers the screenings listed above at no cost, but it does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing exams. Many seniors choose to add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to help cover the gaps in Original Medicare, or a Medicare Advantage plan that may include extra benefits like dental and vision.

No matter which path you choose, the most important step is simply showing up for your appointments. Preventive care works because it gives you the information and tools you need to take control of your health — before small problems become big ones.

Start Your Year Off Right

If you have been putting off a screening or have not had your Annual Wellness Visit this year, now is the time to schedule it. Your health is your most valuable asset, and Medicare has made preventive care affordable and accessible.

Not sure what your current Medicare plan covers — or wondering if a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan might serve you better? We can help. Visit MedigapPlanFinders.com to compare plans, get free quotes, and talk to a licensed agent who can guide you through your options. There is no cost and no obligation — just clear, honest help finding the coverage that fits your needs and your budget.

Your health matters. Take the first step today — schedule that screening, and make this your healthiest year yet.