What Health Tests Should Seniors Take?

Your requirement for frequent medical testing typically grows as you become older. Now is the time to be responsible for your health and keep an eye on changes in your body. The United States Preventive Services Task Force and other specialist organizations have developed the guidelines below to assist seniors in keeping healthy, happy, and safe.

These are easy medical tests that may be performed or requested in your typical doctor’s office. In addition, your doctor may recommend other tests based on your unique health profile. These tests help you prevent some illnesses, avoid some, and manage your medication for your existing conditions.

This article attempts to teach you about standard tests seniors should get as they age.

Blood Pressure Tests

One out of every three seniors has high blood pressure. Hypertension is a well-known condition. According to the CDC, in the 65-74-year-old age group, 64% of men and 69% of women have high blood pressure.

Since symptoms may not appear until it is too late, hypertension is frequently referred to as a “silent killer.” This is because it raises your chances of stroke or a heart attack. This is why having your blood pressure tested at least once a year is critical.

 

Blood Tests for Lipids

Healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels reduce your chances of heart attack or stroke. If your test results reveal that you have elevated amounts of either, your doctor may advise you to adjust your diet, make lifestyle changes, or use drugs to lower them.

 

Colorectal Cancer Tests

A colonoscopy is a routine test in which a doctor utilizes a camera to look for malignant polyps in your colon. A polyp is an irregular body tissue development.

A colonoscopy should be done once every ten years after the age of 50. Having polyps removed and undergoing screenings more often is recommended if you have a family history of colorectal cancer. In addition, a digital rectal exam can be conducted to examine for masses in the anal canal.

A digital rectal exam examines the bottom portion of the rectum, but a colonoscopy examines the whole rectum. If detected early, colorectal cancer is often curable. Many instances, however, are not discovered until they have developed to an advanced stage.

 

Vaccinations

Once every ten years, you should have a tetanus booster shot. In addition, the CDC advises an annual flu vaccination for everyone, particularly those who are chronically sick.

Consult your doctor about a pneumococcal vaccination around the age of 65 to protect against pneumonia and other conditions. Pneumococcal conditions can cause a variety of health problems, including

Meningitis

Pericarditis

Pneumonia

Inner ear infections

Sinusitis

Endocarditis

 

Anyone over the age of 60 should also be vaccinated against shingles.

 

Eye Examination Tests

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that persons get a baseline test at 40. Your optometrist will then determine when more check-ups are required. If you wear contacts or glasses, this might imply yearly vision examinations and every other year if you don’t.

Age also raises the likelihood of eye illnesses such as glaucoma or cataracts and new or worsening visual difficulties.

 

Periodontal Test

As you age, your oral health becomes increasingly vital. Unfortunately, many elderly Americans may also be taking drugs that have a harmful impact on their tooth health. Among these drugs are:

Diuretics

Antidepressants

Antihistamines

 

Natural teeth may be lost, a leads to dental problems. Therefore, when you go to your dentist for your twice-yearly cleaning, they should perform a periodontal exam. While you are making your dental appointment, your dentist will take an X-ray of your jaw and check your mouth, teeth, gums, and throat for symptoms of problems.

 

Hearing Exams

Hearing loss is a common side effect of aging. It can often be the result of an infection or another medical issue. It would be best to get an audiogram once every two to three years.

An audiogram evaluates your hearing over a range of frequencies and intensities. Most hearing loss is curable, while treatment choices vary depending on the origin and severity of your hearing loss.

 

Bone Density Scan

Per the International Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis affects 75 million individuals in Japan, Europe, and the United States. Men and women have threatened this disorder, although women are more likely to be impacted.

A bone density scan assesses bone mass, which is an essential predictor of bone mass and strength. After 65, regular bone scans are advised, especially for women.

 

Vitamin D Tests

Many Americans suffer from vitamin D deficiency. This vitamin helps in the protection of your bones. It may also help protect against heart disease, diabetes, and some malignancies. This test may be required yearly. As you grow older, your body has a more difficult time manufacturing vitamin D.

 

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Screening

There are times when you cannot generate enough thyroid hormones, which regulate your metabolism. This can result in sluggishness, weight gain, and achiness. It can also create difficulties in men, including erectile dysfunction.

A simple blood test may evaluate your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level and establish if your thyroid is usually working.

 

Skin Examination

Per the Skin Cancer Foundation, nearly 5 million people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Checking for new or worrisome moles and seeing a dermatologist one time a year for a full-body inspection are the best ways to spot them early.

 

Diabetes Tests

As of 2012, 29.1 million Americans had type 2 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Every senior should be checked for the disorder beginning at 45. An A1C blood test or a fasting blood sugar test can be used to determine this.

 

Mammogram Tests

Doctors disagree on how frequently women should undergo a breast check and mammography. Some people feel that every two years is the best.

According to the American Cancer Society, women aged 45 to 54 should receive a clinical breast exam and annual mammography screening. Women aged 55 and older should get an exam every two years or once a year.

If you have previous cases of breast cancer in your family, your doctor may advise you to get an annual screening.

 

Pap Smear

Many women over the age of 65 may regularly require a pelvic exam and Pap smear. Cervical or vaginal cancer can be detected using Pap smears. In addition, a pelvic exam can assist with health problems such as incontinence or pelvic discomfort. Women who have lost their cervix may no longer need Pap smears.

 

Prostate Cancer Tests

A digital rectal exam or testing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in your blood can diagnose prostate cancer.

There is disagreement about when and how frequently screening should begin. According to the American Cancer Society, doctors should consider screening men over 50 who are at average risk for prostate cancer. They will also talk about screening those between the ages of 40 and 45 who are at risk, have a family history of prostate cancer, or have a close relative who has died from the disease.

 

Conclusion

We are all worried about our health conditions as we age. However, by doing routine health checks, which only take a few minutes, you can detect abnormalities in their early years when they are easier to cure.

With our experienced caregivers’ in-home medication management services, you may not need to visit an assisted living place, which may be costly for a family. Instead, a House Health experienced nurse can come to your home in Las Vegas and give prescriptions or remind you to take them, depending on your needs.

You can reach us at (702) 871-9917 on any day to schedule an appointment for expert medical care at home.

You may learn more about different Home Health services.