AANP Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practiotioner Practice

Older adults should begin receiving routine annual wellness exams starting at age 65. This recommendation aligns with guidelines from reputable health organizations that emphasize the importance of preventive care as individuals transition into Medicare and encounter age-related health changes.

At this age, many individuals begin to experience increased health risks, including chronic conditions, and benefit significantly from early detection and management strategies. Additionally, the routine annual wellness exam provides an opportunity to update vaccinations, screen for various diseases, conduct health risk assessments, and create or update personalized health plans tailored to an individual's specific needs.

By the time individuals reach age 65, they typically encounter more complex health issues which makes regular check-ups crucial for maintaining overall health and wellness. This structured approach to preventive care contributes to better health outcomes in the older adult population, promoting quality of life and longevity.