Good health is about more than going to the doctor when something hurts. It’s about maintaining routines and habits that support every part of your body—from your heart and joints to your eyes, mouth, and mind. And as you age, it becomes increasingly important to stay healthy.

Here are key areas retirees should focus on for healthy aging:

• Oral health: Gum disease and tooth loss are not inevitable with age, but they do become more common without preventive care. Taking care of your teeth and gums can help you manage conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
• Vision health: As we age, we’re more likely to have eye conditions like cataracts or glaucoma—but regular checkups can help protect your vision.
• Hearing health: Hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline and social isolation, yet many people delay getting hearing help. Early intervention matters. Delta Dental of Washington offers hearing health savings for qualified members through Amplifon Hearing Health Care.
• Mental and emotional health: Retirement can bring new freedom—but also new challenges like loneliness or loss of routine. Staying mentally active, socially connected, and physically engaged is crucial.
• Physical health and prevention: Conditions like hypertension, arthritis, and diabetes often emerge later in life. Managing them early—and proactively—is key to maintaining independence.

The hidden link: oral health and total health

You might be surprised how much your mouth can tell you about your body. Inflammation from untreated gum disease, for example, has been linked to cardiovascular problems. And people with diabetes are more likely to develop serious gum issues, which in turn can make blood sugar harder to control.

Retirees who stay up to date on dental exams and cleanings not only preserve their smile—they’re also taking a powerful step toward protecting their heart, brain, and immune system.

5 tips for healthy aging in retirement

Alongside the right coverage, small everyday habits can make a big difference in how you feel:

• 1. Brush and floss twice a day and schedule dental visits every six months
• 2. Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D for strong bones and teeth
• 3. Stay active with daily movement—walking, swimming, yoga, or gardening
• 4. Stay connected with family, friends, or community groups to support emotional health
• 5. Challenge your brain with games, books, hobbies, or classes
• 6. Prioritize sleep—your body heals and regulates itself during rest

Coverage in retirement: what medicare does (and doesn't) include:

Retirement brings new adventures—and new responsibilities when it comes to your health. By understanding how coverage works, choosing the right benefits, and building smart habits, you can enjoy the freedom of retirement without compromising your well-being.

Need help finding a dental or vision plan that fits your Medicare coverage? Visit Delta Dental of Washington's recommended dental plans for retirees and vision plans to learn more.

The hidden link: oral health and total health

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, and for some younger individuals with disabilities. While Medicare provides important protections for medical care, it doesn’t automatically cover everything retirees need to stay well – especially dental coverage.

Here’s what to know:

• Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may include dental, vision, and hearing benefits—but the scope and provider networks vary widely.
• Supplemental dental, vision, and hearing plans are often the best way to fill in the gaps. At Delta Dental of Washington, we offer plans designed specifically for retirees, including options that bundle dental and vision coverage, and complement your existing Medicare benefits. Because staying healthy in retirement shouldn’t be complicated—or expensive.

These plans can be added alongside your Medicare coverage to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for preventive care, exams, procedures, and appliances like glasses and hearing aids.

How to choose the right coverage in retirement

When shopping for benefits in retirement, look for plans that:

• 1. Encourage preventive care (routine cleanings, eye exams, hearing checks)
• 2. Cover basic and major procedures at a reasonable cost
• 3. Include access to a broad network of providers
• 4. Support total-body health—not just urgent needs

Your health is worth protecting

Retirement brings new adventures—and new responsibilities when it comes to your health. By understanding how coverage works, choosing the right benefits, and building smart habits, you can enjoy the freedom of retirement without compromising your well-being