Your Year-End Health Checklist: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Plan for 2026

December offers a unique opportunity to get ahead of your health goals before the new year rush begins. Rather than waiting for January resolutions that often fizzle out, taking action now means securing appointments, establishing routines, and creating a solid foundation for a healthier 2026.

What Makes the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit So Valuable?

If you're on Medicare, one of the most important steps you can take is scheduling your free annual wellness visit. This comprehensive checkup is covered 100% by Medicare Part B once every 12 months and focuses on prevention rather than treating existing conditions. The visit includes risk assessment, updating your personalized prevention plan, reviewing current medications and providers, and assessing cognitive function.

What sets this apart from a regular physical is its forward-thinking approach. If the initial assessment suggests possible cognitive impairment, Medicare covers a separate follow-up visit for more thorough evaluation, screening for conditions like dementia, depression, anxiety, or delirium.

Which Preventive Screenings Should You Prioritize?

Beyond the wellness visit, now is the perfect time to schedule those essential health maintenance appointments for early 2026. While general physicals, dental cleanings, and eye exams typically aren't covered by original Medicare, some Medicare Advantage plans include these services.

Medicare does cover several key preventive screenings at no cost to you:

• Colorectal Screenings: Essential for early detection of one of the most preventable cancers
• Annual Mammograms: Critical for breast cancer screening in women
• Cardiovascular Screenings: Help identify heart disease risk factors before symptoms appear
• Depression Screenings: Important for mental health maintenance, especially during life transitions
• Diabetes Screenings: Catch prediabetes before it progresses to full diabetes
• Lung Cancer Screenings: Particularly important for current or former smokers

Don't forget about vaccinations—consult your doctor about recommended vaccines like flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia shots, which are generally covered by Medicare.

Why Should Sleep Be Your First Priority?

While scheduling medical appointments is crucial, your daily habits matter just as much. Consistent poor sleep significantly degrades both mental and physical health, making it as important to prioritize as exercise. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep daily, as proper rest boosts your immune system, enhances cognitive function, and helps with weight management.

One simple change can make a big difference: put down smartphones and electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime. "The light from our screens can delay our transition to sleep, even if we are engaged in some soothing activity online," says Joanna Cooper, a neurologist and sleep medicine specialist with Sutter Health.

The year-end period also provides an excellent opportunity to establish or upgrade your exercise routine. Focus on four essential types of movement for healthy aging: strength training, flexibility work, balance exercises, and aerobic activity to maintain independence and prevent falls. Remember, consistency trumps intensity—multiple short bursts of activity each week work better than one exhausting workout session.

Nutrition deserves attention too, especially as your body's needs change with age. You'll need more protein, dietary fiber, potassium, calcium, and vitamins D and B12. A UCLA study estimates that up to 40% of elderly people may be chronically dehydrated, partly because some lose their sense of thirst with age. Dehydration can lead to serious complications ranging from urinary tract infections to heart problems and kidney failure.

By taking these proactive steps now, you're not just checking boxes—you're building a foundation for sustained health and vitality throughout 2026 and beyond.