Medical Tests in your 60s and Up

Older adults are more at risk of facing problems in their health. However, the symptoms of certain health conditions never show up or appear much later on. Regularly testing for illnesses commonly found in older adults can help your loved one manage their health before it’s too late.

Here are some medical tests to consider when you are in your 60s and beyond.

Blood pressure test:

High blood pressure is one of the most common health problems in older adults. Your loved one should regularly check their blood pressure once per year, even if their blood pressure is normal. If high blood pressure isn’t managed, it can cause serious health problems including, heart disease and stroke, eye problems, vascular dementia, and kidney disease.

Colorectal cancer screening:

Adults are recommended to start colorectal cancer screening at age 50 and continue until age 75. The screening methods include:

• Fecal occult blood testing (suggested once per year)
• Sigmoidoscopy ( suggested every 5 years) along with fecal occult blood testing ( every 3 years)
• Colonoscopy (suggested every 10 years)

Prostate cancer screening:

CDC suggests seniors aged 55-69 talk to their doctor about the benefits and harms of screening for prostate cancer before they make a decision. Those over 70 years old should not get prostate cancer screening.

For women, a breast exam and mammogram:

The risk of breast cancer increases as you age. A mammogram is recommended for women every 1 to 2 years beginning at age 40 or 50. However, your loved one’s doctor can give them a proper estimate of when they should start doing regular mammograms.

For women, a pelvic exam, Pap smear, and HPV test:

Many women over 60 are suggested to have regular pelvic exams, pap smears, or HPV tests. Older women can have cervical or vaginal cancer. The pelvic exam can help diagnose cancers and a variety of other conditions that can affect your loved one’s health and quality of life (ex. incontinence). Discuss with your loved one’s doctor what tests they should take because recommendations vary by the person’s conditions. How often they should get screened varies by test:

• Pap smears are suggested every 3 years
• An HPV test every 5 years
• A Pelvic exam once per year

Protecting your eyes:

As you age, eye diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma become more common. Screening can help your loved one maintain their vision.

Hearing test:

At least 25% of seniors aged 65 to 74 experience disabling hearing loss. That percentage increases to 50% by age. Your loved one should get a hearing test if they have trouble hearing. Most hearing impairments are treatable.
Protect your bones: Osteoporosis is a loss of bone mass and can increase the risk of permanent disability or death among aging adults.

Cholesterol screening:

Heart attacks and strokes are usually caused by high cholesterol levels. This is why checking cholesterol levels is important to do regularly.

Vaccinations:

The following vaccines are recommended for seniors:

• Pneumococcal vaccine for seniors over 65 to protect against pneumonia
• Shingles vaccine for adults over 50
• All adults should get a flu shot annually
• One-time diphtheria-tetanus booster for whooping cough

Aneurysm:

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggests a one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in men ages 65 to 75 who have a history of smoking.

Blood Sugar:

Diabetes can be a life-threatening condition if found too late. The American Diabetes Association suggests taking a fasting blood sugar test once every 3 years so the diabetes is caught early and manageable. Your loved one may have to test more often depending on other conditions or risk factors they have for diabetes.

Looking for moles:

Moles or skin changes can be linked to skin cancer. The American Cancer Society suggests screening regularly. Skin cancers can take up to 20 years or more to develop.

Dental exam:

If your loved one wants to avoid dentures, dental exams should be done regularly. Gum Disease is also a sign of overall health and can increase the chances of a heart attack.

Screening Hepatitis C:

According to the CDC, anyone over 18 years old should get tested for Hepatitis C. Your loved one should do so if they haven’t already.

Regularly testing for these health conditions can help ensure your loved one is in good health. 1+1 Cares provides more information about managing health and common illnesses in seniors.

1+1 Cares is a referral agency that works for clients and caregivers. We match caregivers with clients and inform them of your requirements. We work for you so you and your loved one can have a safe, enjoyable caregiving experience.