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Age-friendly health care

Being healthy is more than just managing a set of medical problems. As we age, our health goals, priorities, and daily needs can change — and our health care should change with them.

Independence Blue Cross (IBX) is committed to supporting our Medicare Advantage members' overall health. And the age-friendly health care framework can make a meaningful difference.

Developed by the John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, this framework is being adopted by more health providers across the country to help guide care for people over 65.

The "4 Ms" of age-friendly health care

At the heart of age-friendly health care are four key areas known as the "4 Ms." Together, they help health care teams focus on what supports general well-being, independence, and quality of life.

What Matters

Tell your health care team what matters most to you — your favorite activities, hobbies, and passions. That helps them make sure your health care supports your priorities — not just your health conditions.

Mobility

Mobility means staying independent. Your providers assess movement and balance to help you safely do the things that matter most.

Mentation (or mind)

Your mental health is as important as your physical health. If you have any questions or concerns about your memory or your emotional well-being, let your doctors know. These things play an essential role in your safety and quality of life.

Medication

As we get older, the way medications work in our bodies can change. Your care team will make sure your medicines are right for you, work well, and are safe. They will check your prescriptions often and look out for any side effects or interactions, so you feel your best every day.

Age-Friendly Health Care Four sections with illustrations of people. 1) What Matters Know and align care with each older adult's specific health outcome goals and care preferences including, but not limited to, end-of-life care, and across settings of care. 2) Medication If medication is necessary, use Age-Friendly medication that does not interfere with What Matters to the older adult, Mobility, or Mentation across settings of care. 3) Mentation Prevent, identify, treat, and manage dementia, depression, and delirium across settings of care. 4) Mobility Ensure that older adults move safely everyday in order to maintain function and do What Matters.

Maximizing quality of life

Your health care involves more than just what health conditions you're dealing with. Talk with your provider about:

  • What Matters most to you
  • Your Mobility
  • Your Mental state
  • Your Medications

By focusing on the 4 Ms, your care stays centered on you as a whole person, helping support what matters most to your quality of life.

If you have any questions about your well-being and your health care, our Registered Nurse Health Coaches are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Website Last Updated 5/20/2026