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Notice changes in your body
Writing down what feels different can help you discuss it. These prompts are not a diagnosis.
Based on CDC STEADI’s three questions for community-dwelling adults 65 and older. At any age, discuss concerns with your healthcare professional.
Get prompt help for an injury or if you cannot get up after a fall. Chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, or trouble speaking may need emergency help.
This is a home-safety checklist, not a medical risk score. Select anything you notice.
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Personal observations, not a medical assessment.
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Everyone’s body is different. What matters is knowing what is usual for you. A change in energy, sleep, appetite, mood, weight, pain, skin, digestion, or urination may be worth discussing.
Note when a change began, whether it comes and goes, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects daily activities. You do not need to measure everything every day. Use monitoring your clinician has recommended.
Occasionally forgetting why you entered a room or taking longer to recall a name can happen with age. Getting lost in familiar places, repeating questions, or struggling with bills and medicines deserves assessment. Sudden new confusion needs urgent help. The brain health guide explains these changes in more detail.
Ask what they have noticed and what support they want. Record specific examples with permission, including changes after a new medicine. Do not delay urgent care to finish a checklist.
Choose an area and reflect on the questions. This does not assess symptoms or confirm that an area is healthy.
Notice your sleep pattern and daytime alertness. Sleep supports memory and recovery.
Discuss repeated sleep problems or breathing pauses. Avoid driving while sleepy.
Read the related guideNotice your sleep pattern and daytime alertness. Sleep supports memory and recovery.
Discuss repeated sleep problems or breathing pauses. Avoid driving while sleepy.
Suitable movement and a care plan for blood pressure or other conditions can support heart health.
New chest pain or pressure, fainting, or severe breathlessness needs emergency help.
Food supports energy, muscle, and bone health. Consider your appetite, access to meals, and enjoyment.
Ask for help with unwanted weight loss, persistent poor appetite, or swallowing problems.
Meaningful activities and connection can support well-being. Notice changes in memory and mood.
Discuss changes that affect daily life. Sudden new confusion or trouble speaking needs emergency help.
Choose habits that make your day easier. This routine is a set of ideas to adapt, not a list you must finish.
A drink at a familiar time can help you remember fluids. Keep water within easy reach if suitable, and follow any prescribed fluid or swallowing guidance.
Try eggs, yogurt, beans, tofu, or nut butter alongside foods you enjoy. A small meal or snack may be easier when appetite is low. Fit the choice to your medical diet and food preferences.
Open the curtains or spend a little time outside if safe. Daylight can help your body clock. Light through a window should not be counted on to provide vitamin D.
Use a comfortable range of motion, a short walk, or familiar seated movements. Give yourself time if you feel stiff. Rise slowly and ask about recurring dizziness.
Instead of a long to-do list, choose up to three things that matter today. Include something enjoyable and leave room for rest or an unexpected change.
Combine vegetables or fruit, grains, and a protein food. The plate guide can help you plan; adjust amounts for your appetite and health needs.
Use a phone call, a TV break, or a reminder as a cue to change position or move a little. A short walk or suitable seated movement can work. You do not need to do squats or stand if that is unsafe.
Drink regularly in an amount that suits you. There is no single eight-glass target for everyone. Medicines, weather, activity, and some heart or kidney conditions change fluid needs.
Rest your eyes by looking into the distance, blink, and adjust your screen or lighting. Change position if you are uncomfortable. Persistent eye pain or vision changes need assessment.
Take a couple of minutes to notice something you appreciate, write down a thought, or breathe comfortably. Choose what feels supportive; you do not have to force a positive mood.
Avoid a large meal close to bed if it disrupts sleep. If you have reflux, ask about leaving time between eating and lying down. Keep enough food in your day rather than routinely skipping dinner.
Read, listen to calming music, take a warm bath if safe, or do gentle stretches. Put away screens if they keep you alert. Make the routine easy to repeat.
Choose a bedtime and wake time that suit your life. Consistency can help your body clock, though it does not guarantee good sleep. Use the sleep guide if problems continue.
Brush with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth as your dental team advises. Follow instructions for dentures. Gently cleanse your face if needed and moisturize dry skin.
Ask: What went well? What would make tomorrow easier? Write down a worry or tomorrow’s task if that helps you set it aside. Your My Week reflection can hold a short note.
Older skin can become dry and fragile. Use a moisturizer that suits you and discuss persistent itching, cracks, or a wound that is not healing.
If you have diabetes, check daily for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling; reduced sensation can hide an injury. Use a mirror or ask for help if needed. Report problems promptly and follow your foot-care team’s advice.
Brushing and cleaning between teeth protect oral health. Tell your dentist about dry mouth and new medicines.
Support your feet and back if comfortable and place a screen where you can see it without straining. Change position regularly; there is no perfect posture you must hold all day.
Send a text, make a call, share a meal, or join a group that interests you. Meaningful connection can support well-being. Choose contact that feels welcome rather than exhausting.
Notice unusual tiredness, pain, or a change in what you can do. Rest when you need to and seek advice for new or worsening symptoms. Do not push through severe symptoms.
Alcohol can interact with medicines and affect sleep and balance. Drinking less or none can reduce risk; do not start drinking for health benefits. Ask for support if cutting down is difficult. Stopping smoking can help at any age.
New chest pain or pressure, severe trouble breathing, sudden confusion or difficulty speaking, fainting, sudden severe pain, or a serious fall need prompt emergency assessment. Use your local emergency number.
Guide updated: September 14, 2026
An educational guide, not an individual diagnosis or treatment plan. Discuss choices with your healthcare team. Source organizations do not endorse this site.