Health checkups are key to staying on top of your health as an older adult. Regular screenings can help you understand your body, assess potential risks, prioritize preventive care, and make proactive lifestyle changes to foster a happier, healthier tomorrow.
You deserve to enjoy greater peace of mind and make the most of your golden years — and a few tests can help you do just that. Explore 10 essential senior health screenings to gain better insight into your well-being.
1. Blood Pressure Check
A blood pressure check is one of the most important senior health tests. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious condition. However, you may not experience obvious symptoms, and the condition can easily go undetected.
If left unaddressed, hypertension can lead to various health complications, including:
- Chest pain
- Vision loss
- Memory loss
- Heart attack
- Irritability or personality changes
- Stroke
- Kidney damage
To get checked, you can typically visit your primary care physician or a pharmacy with a blood pressure monitor device!
2. Cholesterol Test
Older adults should also see a health care professional to assess their cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in your arteries, potentially restricting — or blocking — blood flow and creating health risks like chest pain, heart disease, and heart attacks.
You can visit your primary care doctor for this testing. They will take a blood sample to assess the following:
- Total cholesterol
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
- Triglycerides
Consider more frequent cholesterol testing if you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart attack, coronary artery disease, or diabetes.
3. Diabetes Screening
Diabetes screenings are also important for older adults because high blood sugar levels can cause many different health complications, such as:
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Neuropathy
- Skin conditions
- Gum disease
Your primary care doctor or an endocrinologist can perform the blood tests for a diabetes screening. They may choose different tests depending on your unique health history. Common options include:
- Hemoglobin A1c
- Fasting blood sugar
- Glucose tolerance
A family history of diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase insulin resistance. Eating a balanced diet and prioritizing regular physical activity can help older adults reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes.
4. Colon Cancer Screening
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all adults ages 45 to 75 should receive a colorectal cancer screening.
Regular testing is important because the early stages of this cancer often do not have obvious symptoms. Screening can identify abnormal growth or precancerous polyps for the soonest detection possible. Colorectal cancer is often highly treatable when discovered early!
There are several tests for colorectal cancer, including:
- Stool tests: You may receive a test kit from your provider or visit the office to provide a stool sample that a lab will check for blood or altered DNA.
- Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy: These tests involve the doctor using a thin tube to examine the inside of the colon and rectum for abnormalities.
- Computed tomography (CT) colonography: The doctor will use computers and X-ray technology to take pictures of the colon.
5. Bone Density Scans
As we age, our bones naturally lose density. This increases our risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures, which can impact our mobility. A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan is valuable for older adult health checks. These scans are similar to traditional X-rays and can determine the mineral content in the bones.
Individuals with the following health conditions may experience heightened risks of bone density loss:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Calcium or vitamin D deficiencies
Your healthcare provider can share tips and lifestyle changes to strengthen your bones, such as increasing daily calcium intake or weight-bearing exercises.
6. Vision and Eye Exams
Annual vision and eye exams are crucial for older adults for several reasons. They are key to managing your vision and detecting various eye-related diseases, such as:
- Glaucoma
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Cataracts
Catching these diseases early can help your ophthalmologist intervene to slow unwanted progression and preserve your vision for as long as possible. If you notice any of the following symptoms, consult with your eye doctor and schedule a visit as soon as you possible:
- Tunnel vision
- Eye pain
- Blind spots
- Halos
7. Hearing Tests
Another important health screening for seniors is an annual hearing test. You can visit your primary care physician or an audiologist for an evaluation.
Hearing loss often develops gradually, so regular screening is best for early intervention. Untreated hearing loss can affect your independence and quality of life. Your health care provider may perform several tests, including:
- Bone conduction testing to examine your inner ear and auditory nerve
- Pure-tone testing to determine the lowest pitch volume you can hear
- Speech testing to assess your ability to listen and recite words
8. Skin Cancer Screening
According to the CDC, skin cancer is most commonly diagnosed in those older than age 65. Catching cancer in its beginning stages can make your health journey easier, so regular screenings are important for older adults.
A dermatologist typically performs a skin cancer screening. They may conduct a comprehensive examination of your skin to assess moles or areas with abnormalities. If they find irregularities, they may recommend a biopsy to assess if there are precancer or cancer cells present.
9. Mammograms
Mammograms are an essential health screening for older women. Breast cancer outcomes are more favorable when the condition is discovered early. An annual mammogram can help you stay on top of your breast health and save your life.
You can contact your primary care physician to find a breast center or imaging facility to perform your mammogram. These tests take X-ray images of each breast to identify potential abnormalities in your breast tissue.
10. Prostate Cancer Screenings
Older men should also consider annual prostate cancer screenings, especially if they have a family history or are at a high risk. Early detection can improve treatment outcomes.
Your primary care provider or a urologist can perform the test, which typically involves a prostate-specific antigen(PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam.
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