September marks Healthy Aging Month, a national observance dedicated to empowering older adults to take control of their well-being. At Craft Body Scan, we believe aging isn’t just something that happens to you—it’s a journey you can actively shape through informed choices and preventive care.
As we celebrate this important month, let’s explore how preventive screenings can be your secret weapon for aging vibrantly, maintaining independence, and enjoying the life you’ve worked so hard to build.
What Healthy Aging Really Means in 2025
The concept of “healthy aging” has evolved dramatically over the past decade. It’s no longer about simply adding years to your life—it’s about adding life to your years.
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), healthy aging encompasses:
- Physical wellness – maintaining mobility, strength, and energy
- Mental sharpness – preserving cognitive function and emotional well-being
- Social engagement – nurturing meaningful relationships and community connections
- Financial security – ensuring resources for care and lifestyle needs
- Purpose – continuing to contribute and find meaning
What’s remarkable is how interconnected these elements are. Physical health affects mental clarity. Social connections influence emotional resilience. And preventive healthcare touches everything by helping you stay ahead of potential issues before they limit your choices.
The Preventive Approach to Aging Well
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has found that Americans are living longer again (since COVID)—but many spend their final years managing chronic conditions that diminish quality of life.
Here’s the good news: up to 40% of premature deaths are preventable through lifestyle modifications and early detection of health issues.
Preventive screenings represent one of the most powerful tools in your healthy aging toolkit because they:
- Catch issues when they’re most treatable – often before symptoms appear
- Establish personalized health baselines – helping identify changes over time
- Guide personalized lifestyle adjustments – based on your specific risk factors
- Reduce healthcare costs – by avoiding expensive emergency interventions
- Provide peace of mind – allowing you to make informed decisions about your health
Key Screenings That Support Healthy Aging
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a comprehensive approach to preventive care, with screenings tailored to your age, gender, and risk factors.
Here are essential screenings to consider as part of your healthy aging strategy:
Cardiovascular Health
- Coronary calcium scoring – This non-invasive scan detects calcium deposits in coronary arteries, providing early warning of heart disease risk before symptoms develop
- Blood pressure – Regular monitoring helps prevent stroke and heart disease
- Cholesterol levels – Testing identifies potential heart disease risk factors
- Carotid artery screening – Ultrasound imaging detects plaque buildup that could lead to stroke
According to the AHA, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for adults over 65, yet many cases could be prevented or managed with early detection and intervention.
Cancer Screenings
- Colorectal cancer screening – Research suggests that regular screening starting at age 45 can prevent up to 60% of colorectal cancer deaths
- Lung cancer screening – Low-dose CT scans can detect lung cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages
- Breast cancer screening – Regular mammograms remain crucial for early detection
- Prostate cancer screening – Discussing PSA testing with your doctor helps determine appropriate screening intervals
The National Cancer Institute notes that cancer is often highly treatable when caught early, with some screenings actually preventing cancer by identifying and removing precancerous growths.
Bone and Joint Health
- Bone density scanning – DEXA scans assess osteoporosis risk and fracture likelihood
- Arthritis assessment – Early intervention can preserve mobility and independence
- Fall risk evaluation – Preventing falls is crucial for maintaining independence
The National Institute on Aging emphasizes that maintaining bone health is essential for preserving mobility and independence as we age.
Metabolic Health
- Diabetes screening – Regular A1C testing helps detect prediabetes before it progresses
- Thyroid function – Testing identifies issues that can affect energy, weight, and mood
- Vitamin D levels – Deficiency can impact bone health, immune function, and mood
The American Diabetes Association notes that type 2 diabetes risk increases with age, but early detection can prevent or delay its development.
Beyond the Numbers: The Whole-Person Approach
While specific screenings provide valuable insights, true healthy aging requires looking at the complete picture. The NCOA advocates for a holistic approach that integrates:
- Mental health assessment – Depression and anxiety screening
- Cognitive health evaluation – Memory and thinking skills assessment
- Vision and hearing tests – Sensory health profoundly impacts quality of life
- Medication reviews – Ensuring medications work together safely and effectively
- Nutrition assessment – Identifying deficiencies that affect energy and healing
Making Preventive Care Work for You
The key to effective preventive care is personalization. Generic recommendations provide a starting point, but your healthy aging journey should be tailored to your unique needs.
Here’s how to make preventive care work effectively for you:
- Know your family history – Genetic factors influence your risk profile
- Track your health baselines – Understanding your normal makes it easier to spot changes
- Partner with healthcare providers who listen – The best preventive care happens in collaboration
- Consider your whole health picture – Mental, physical, and emotional well-being are interconnected
- Stay consistent with recommended screenings – Regular monitoring catches changes early
The Technology Advantage in Preventive Screening
Modern screening technology has transformed the preventive care experience. Today’s screenings are:
- Faster – Many scans take just minutes to complete
- More comfortable – Less invasive procedures reduce discomfort
- More accurate – Advanced imaging provides clearer results
- More accessible – Convenient scheduling options remove barriers to care
- More informative – Detailed results help guide personalized prevention strategies
At Craft Body Scan, we’ve embraced these technological advances to create screening experiences that fit seamlessly into your busy life.
The Role of Preventive Screening in Aging Independence
Perhaps the most compelling reason to embrace preventive screening is the role it plays in maintaining independence—a top priority for most adults as they age.
The AARP reports that over 85% of adults 65+ want to remain in their current homes as they age. Preventive healthcare supports this goal by:
- Identifying mobility threats early – When interventions are most effective
- Preventing catastrophic health events – Like strokes or heart attacks that can lead to dependency
- Supporting informed lifestyle adjustments – That preserve function and independence
- Providing data-backed confidence – In your ability to age on your terms
- Reducing hospitalization risk – By addressing issues before they require emergency care
Making Healthy Aging Month Count
As we celebrate Healthy Aging Month, consider taking these actionable steps:
- Schedule overdue preventive screenings – Use our convenient online booking system to secure your appointments
- Review your screening history – Identify gaps in your preventive care
- Have a conversation with loved ones about family health history – Understanding genetic factors helps personalize your prevention plan
- Set health baselines – Comprehensive screenings provide valuable reference points for future comparisons
- Create a preventive care calendar – Plan your screenings throughout the year for consistent monitoring
Your Partner in Healthy Aging
At Craft Body Scan, we believe preventive care should be accessible, comfortable, and empowering. Our approach focuses on:
- Convenience – Appointments that respect your time and schedule
- Comfort – Creating a welcoming, non-clinical environment
- Clarity – Explaining results in straightforward, actionable terms
- Coordination – Helping connect findings to appropriate follow-up care
- Compassion – Recognizing that health decisions can be emotional
As you embrace Healthy Aging Month, remember that you deserve healthcare that treats you as a whole person, not just a collection of symptoms or risk factors. Preventive screenings are about giving you the information you need to write your own healthy aging story.
Because aging isn’t something that happens to you—it’s a journey you actively shape with every informed choice you make.
Ready to take control of your healthy aging journey? Schedule your preventive screening today and discover the peace of mind that comes with knowing where you stand.
