Supporting Healthy Aging
“We’re committed to delivering the highest quality care, one patient at a time, so seniors feel supported, informed and confident in their health,” said Dr. Timothy Imler, a gastroenterologist at Riverview Health.
Riverview Health is a central Indiana leader in patient-centered care, supported by a team of highly skilled physicians, specialists and health care professionals.
Consistently recognized for excellence in serving Hamilton County, Riverview Health boasts a community-based health network featuring a 156-bed hospital in Noblesville, a hospital in Westfield that includes the area’s first combined emergency and urgent care center, three additional emergency and urgent care locations, and 25 primary and specialty care facilities. With a strong presence in Hamilton County, Riverview Health makes health care accessible through comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services across more than 35 medical specialties.
No matter the season of life, Riverview Health maintains its commitment to providing lifelong care for patients. The organization emphasizes prevention, routine care and education as essential components of a healthy life.
For seniors and aging adults, Riverview Health educates patients on the importance of being proactive to protect their health and maintain independence. Preventive measures include routine primary care visits, staying active through exercise, eating a balanced diet, and participating in screenings such as heart scans, mammograms and colonoscopies.
“Independence in older age is really about prevention. When seniors stay on top of their screenings, medications and daily habits, we can catch issues early or even prevent them entirely,” said Dr. John Tuttle, an internal medicine physician at Riverview Health.
Riverview Health also recognizes that chronic pain can inhibit seniors from enjoying a healthy life.
“Pain doesn’t have to be a normal part of aging. When we manage pain safely and effectively, seniors stay active, mobile and engaged in the things they enjoy,” said Dr. Kristopher Rogers, an interventional pain specialist at Riverview Health.
March is National Nutrition Month, which raises awareness about the importance of maintaining healthy eating habits. For aging adults and seniors, nutrition plays a crucial role in muscle strength, memory, mood, digestion and immune function. Common dietary challenges include reduced appetite, digestive changes affecting sodium, sugar and fiber processing, and medication-related food interactions.
“Older adults often have appetite changes or dietary restrictions, so the quality of the food they eat becomes even more important. Our goal is to keep nutrition simple, practical and tailored to each person’s health conditions,” Tuttle said.
Riverview Health offers personalized nutritional guidance and education to support healthy diets and digestive health. Physicians and nutrition specialists work with patients to create individualized plans that may include adding protein to meals, staying hydrated, increasing dietary fiber and emphasizing fruits, vegetables and whole grains while limiting processed and high-sodium foods.
“Even one or two small changes, like adding protein to breakfast or drinking more water, can significantly improve energy and day-to-day wellness,” Tuttle said.
March is also National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which highlights the importance of screening through preventive measures such as colonoscopies. The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, making adults 50 and older — or younger individuals with a family history — more susceptible. Riverview Health offers a range of screening options for early detection, including screening and diagnostic colonoscopies and stool-based tests for select patients.
“Colonoscopy is unique because it’s both a screening test and a preventive procedure. We can identify and remove precancerous polyps during the same visit. When caught early, colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable cancers,” Imler said.
Patients often worry about preparation and discomfort, but Imler emphasizes that comfort and care are priorities.
“Most patients are surprised by how simple the experience is. I spend as much time as needed to answer questions and ensure they feel comfortable before, during and after the procedure,” he said.
Seniors and aging adults should seek medical attention if they experience warning signs such as blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, persistent abdominal or back pain, unexplained weight loss, worsening fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness or numbness, increasing memory problems, swelling in the legs, or ongoing pain that limits mobility.
Addressing chronic pain early is essential, Rogers said, noting that “chronic pain can affect sleep, mobility and emotional well-being. Treating it early helps prevent bigger problems down the line.”
Riverview Health’s community-centered approach to care has made it a trusted health care provider for more than 100 years. Seniors and aging adults can have peace of mind knowing skilled professionals advocate for and support their care.
“We partner with seniors and their families to create long-term plans that support safety, independence and peace of mind,” Tuttle said.
Riverview Health supports seniors and caregivers in Hamilton County through access to care, education and prevention. Services include preventive primary care, gastroenterology and colonoscopy screenings, chronic disease management, interventional pain management, nutrition counseling and wellness education, imaging and laboratory services, personalized treatment plans, and coordinated care that involves families and caregivers.
“Our team approach ensures that pain, chronic conditions and preventive needs are addressed so seniors can continue doing what they love,” Rogers said.
For more information, visit https://www.riverview.org/.
