The pumpkin spice lattes are brewing, the air is (finally) cooling, and the leaves are getting ready to put on their big show. For many of us, fall feels like a fresh start—just without all the January pressure. But for seniors, it’s also the perfect time to take stock of your health and make sure you’re set up to enjoy the season feeling your best.

Here’s your friendly reminder list—part wellness check, part seasonal prep guide, and part nudge from that friend who always makes sure you’ve got a sweater when it gets chilly.

1. Give Your Vaccines a Fall Check-In

Autumn is prime time for respiratory viruses to start making their rounds, so this is your moment to get ahead of them.

• Flu Shot – The CDC recommends everyone over 65 get the high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine for better protection.

• COVID-19 Booster – If you haven’t gotten the latest booster, fall is a smart time before holiday gatherings. FYI, the newest booster comes out this fall that will target a variant closer to the strains currently on the rise!

• RSV Vaccine – Newer for seniors, this can help protect against the respiratory syncytial virus, which can hit harder as we age.

• Pneumonia Vaccine – Ask your doctor if you’re due for a dose or a booster; there are different types, and your provider can guide you.

Pro tip: Book these now, before appointment slots fill up and you’re left playing “Where’s Waldo?” with vaccine locations.

2. Review Your Medicare Coverage Before Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment (October 15–December 7) is not the time to just shrug and hope last year’s plan still works for you. Things change, including coverage, premiums, and your medications, and you don’t want any surprises in January.

• Make a list of your current prescriptions and check that they’re still covered affordably.

• Look for any new benefits like vision, hearing, or dental coverage that might make switching worth it.

• If you love the doctors you have now, check to see if they will be included in any plan change that you might make.

• Compare out-of-pocket costs, not just the monthly premium. Sometimes a slightly higher monthly fee can save you big on copays.

Think of it like updating your fall wardrobe: it’s not about having more clothes, it’s about having the right ones for the season ahead.

3. Book Those Doctor Appointments Now

Fall is the perfect “reset button” for your health calendar, especially before the end-of-year rush when everyone’s scrambling to use up insurance benefits.

Appointments to consider:

• Annual Wellness Visit – Medicare covers this once a year, and it’s a great chance to discuss changes in your health.

• Hearing and Vision Checks – Subtle changes can sneak up on you and increase fall risks.

• Bone Density Test – If you haven’t had a Dexa Scan in the past couple of years, check with your doctor about when to schedule the next.

• Skin Check – Summer sun can leave its mark; let a dermatologist give you a once-over.

Important questions to ask about aging:

• Are there changes I should make to my medications as I get older?

• How can I reduce my fall risk at home and when I’m out?

• Am I due for any screenings (cancer, cholesterol, diabetes) based on my age and health history?

• What’s the best way to manage my current aches and pains without overmedicating?

4. Create Your Fall Fitness Plan

You don’t have to train for a marathon (unless that’s your thing), but staying active is key for balance, flexibility, and mood, especially as the days get shorter.

• Join a Class – Look for community center yoga, tai chi, or water aerobics. Group classes keep you accountable and social.

• Walking Goals – Cooler weather makes it easier to hit your step goals without melting into a puddle.

• Strength Training – Resistance bands, light weights, or even bodyweight exercises can help preserve muscle mass. For those of us worried about osteoporosis (or osteopenia), it’s very important.

• Stretch Daily – Even five minutes in the morning can improve flexibility and circulation.

Bonus tip: Put your workouts on your calendar just like you would a doctor’s appointment—you’re less likely to skip them.

5. Prep Your Home for a Healthy Season

Little tweaks at home can help you avoid accidents and stay comfortable.

• Check your lighting—shorter days mean darker evenings, which can be a trip hazard.

• Swap lightweight rugs for ones with nonslip backing.

• Keep cozy blankets nearby, but make sure they’re not draped somewhere you could catch your foot.

• If you use a humidifier, clean it before you turn it on for the season to avoid breathing in dust or mold.

6. Stock Your Fall Wellness Kit

Think of this as your “just in case” drawer.

• Thermometer

• Over-the-counter pain relief (check expiration dates)

• Vitamin D supplements (especially if you spend less time in the sun) and make sure to ask your doctor to check your levels when you see him.

• Cough drops, tissues, and herbal teas

• Healthy pantry staples for quick, nourishing meals (soups, oatmeal, canned beans, frozen veggies)

7. Tend to Your Mental and Emotional Health

As daylight fades earlier, it’s easy to feel a little sluggish or down.

• Plan Social Time – Schedule lunches, classes, or visits with friends and family.

• Get Outside Daily – Even 15 minutes of sunlight can boost mood and vitamin D.

• Consider a Light Therapy Lamp – Especially helpful if you notice your mood dips each fall.

• Learn Something New – A hobby or class can keep your mind sharp and give you something to look forward to.

8. Build Your Seasonal Self-Care Rituals

Fall is a wonderful excuse to slow down and enjoy life’s cozy moments.

• Brew a pot of herbal tea in the afternoon.

• Keep a gratitude journal to note the little joys each day.

• Listen to music that lifts your spirits.

• Treat yourself to a massage or facial as the weather changes.

Fall isn’t just a season—it’s an opportunity to refresh your routines, protect your health, and make sure you’re ready to savor the months ahead. By taking care of your vaccines, reviewing Medicare, booking appointments, moving your body, and tending to your mental well-being, you’ll be in the best position to enjoy everything from apple picking to pumpkin pie.

This year, let’s make fall less about “battening down the hatches” and more about setting ourselves up for a vibrant, healthy season—because feeling good never goes out of style.