The healthcare landscape is transforming to meet the growing needs of an aging population. According to projections, the number of adults aged 65 and older in the U.S. will increase by 47% by 2050, reaching 82 million. As health systems adapt to these changes, they are expanding community care, virtual visits, and home-based models to provide comprehensive care for older adults. **Unique Needs of Older Adults**
Older adults have diverse needs that differ from younger populations. As they age, their needs change, and it’s essential to design primary and preventive care services that cater to these unique differences. Dr. George Hennawi, Physician Executive Director of Geriatrics and Senior Services at MedStar Health, emphasizes the importance of understanding these differences. “Older adults are individuals that are unique personally, and we need to understand the unique differences between older adults that dictate what type of primary care we plan to offer and what type of preventive health they should or should not be getting.”
A framework created by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, the 4Ms framework, guides health systems in assessing the unique needs of older adults. The four components are:
• Assess what matters to them (Matters)
• Mental health and cognitive function (Mentation)
• Medication management (Medication)
• Mobility and physical function (Mobility)
**Meeting Older Adults Where They Are**
MedStar Health has implemented a comprehensive approach to primary care and preventive care for older adults. The Centers for Successful Aging offer a range of services, including cognitive support, psychosocial support, and mobility support. The health system also provides home-based primary care services, where physicians and nurse practitioners visit patients in their homes. In addition, MedStar Health has created community-based programs to educate patients about primary care and preventive care. The health system deploys providers to community centers and senior housing communities to provide education and screenings. **Virtual Visits and Home-Based Care**
Mark Sannes, MD, Chief Medical Officer of HealthPartners Care Group, highlights the benefits of virtual visits and home-based care for older adults. “Our virtualist program in primary care creates more opportunities for patients to seek care beyond an in-office setting. Patients have options outside of an office setting, whether it’s a real-time virtual visit with a clinician or sending messages to set up preventive screening recommendations.”
HealthPartners Care Group offers same-day access for in-person and virtual visits, as well as e-consults, which allow patients to access specialty opinions without requiring in-person visits. The health system also deploys nurse practitioners and physicians to home visit programs, providing ongoing care for patients who cannot visit a clinic. **Population Health Strategy**
Patsy McNeil, MD, Executive Vice President and System Chief Medical Officer of Adventist HealthCare, emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive population health strategy for older adults. “Caring for older adults is an essential part of Adventist HealthCare’s population health strategy and comprehensive system of care. We participate in the Maryland Primary Care Program and a Medicare-based ACO Shared Savings Program, which center around older adults and form the core of our population health work.”
Adventist HealthCare offers a range of services, including diabetes education, advanced care planning, and home care and home assistance services. The health system also embeds nurse care navigators in community-based primary care practices to coordinate care and provide education to high-risk patients.

In conclusion, health systems are evolving to meet the unique needs of older adults, offering comprehensive care through community-based programs, virtual visits, and home-based models. By adopting a patient-centered approach and incorporating innovative services, health systems can improve health outcomes and quality of life for older adults.