At Livingfeeds, we have always thrived to provide the best and most valuable lifestyle tips to help our readers. As part of our commitment to sharing top-notch lifestyle guides, we have compiled a list of 5 key medical professionals that seniors settling into the Lakeland area should connect with.
Establishing relationships with the right doctors and caregivers can profoundly impact one’s ability to enjoy their retirement years. In this article, we’ll highlight a geriatrician, physical therapist, audiologist, dentist, and home health aide – experts who can help prevent issues and care for your evolving needs. With proper support from these medical providers, your golden years in Lakeland can be filled with vibrant joy and exciting new adventures. Our goal at Livingfeeds is to give you the information you need to craft a healthy, engaged retirement. The demands of your career and family may make it challenging to find the time for your own health. Fortunately, retirement allows you to relax and focus on nourishing your body and mind. By prioritizing your health and well-being, you could enjoy a high quality of life throughout your retirement years.
If you’ve recently retired to Florida, you should build a team of medical specialists who you can trust to address your health concerns throughout your retirement. Of course, the most important specialists depend on your specific health needs. However, you may start by finding a primary care provider, ophthalmologist, mental healthcare professional, geriatrician and dentist in Lakeland or one of the other communities soon after making the move.
Primary Care Provider
A primary care provider (PCP) is often the first doctor you should find when you move to a new city and typically the doctor you see most often. Your PCP manages your overall health; they perform physicals, help you manage chronic conditions, provide you with vaccines, and treat many illnesses. Finding a trusted PCP ensures that you have a central point of contact for your medical needs. They can provide guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, recommend necessary screenings, and refer you to specialists.
Geriatrician
A geriatrician is a specialist who focuses on the healthcare needs of older adults. Their expertise includes managing age-related health conditions, organizing medications, and addressing the complex medical conditions that can be more common in seniors. Some retirees decide to see a geriatrician instead of a PCP, while others maintain both specialists as part of their healthcare needs.
The right choice for you depends on your circumstances. If you’re managing several complex conditions related to your age, a geriatrician may be able to offer more comprehensive support than a PCP. However, if you just have a few concerns about your health and aging, you may want a PCP for your day-to-day needs and a geriatrician for more specific issues. Even if you don’t see them regularly, a geriatrician could help you navigate health changes during retirement.
Ophthalmologist
As you age, regular eye care becomes increasingly important. Our eyesight often gets worse as we get older. The risk of some eye diseases, like age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, also increases over time. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye health and vision. They can identify the causes behind changes in your vision and provide updated prescriptions as needed. Routine eye exams by an ophthalmologist ensure early detection of issues and intervention. This can preserve your vision, making it easier to maintain your daily tasks and the hobbies you love in retirement.
Read Also: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO KEEP YOUR EYES SAFE FROM BRIGHT LIGHT
Mental Health Professional
Your retirement marks a significant change in your life; your priorities, daily tasks, social connections and more may all be in a state of flux. While retirement is often a joyful, welcomed life transition, you may need some additional support to adjust. Sometimes, losing the structure that defined a significant portion of your life causes distress, boredom or even sadness. A mental health professional—like a psychologist, counselor or psychiatrist—could offer strategies for maintaining your emotional well-being throughout the transition. They can help manage stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns that might arise during this dynamic period. With that additional support, you could embrace this new chapter with excitement and joy.
Dentist
Oral health is an integral part of your overall well-being. Regular dental care is essential at any age. However, as you grow older, you may become more likely to develop certain conditions like gum disease or even oral cancer. Dentists provide preventive care and address any issues that develop. They can also offer solutions for tooth loss, like dentures, dental veneers, bridges or implants. A dentist enables you to maintain a healthy smile, ensuring you can enjoy your retirement years with confidence. Plus, oral health is connected to cardiovascular health, nutrition and more.
Your retirement is a perfect opportunity to prioritize your health. You can enjoy a vibrant and fulfilling retirement by addressing your physical and mental well-being. A skilled, trusted medical team can quickly address your health concerns, leaving you free to savor every moment of this exciting phase of life.
