Health Checks for the over 50s

Looking after our health, is essential as we get older. And it’s a key step in self-care.

Age can be a risk factor for many health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

As we get older, it’s important to get regular health checks and preventative screenings, as some health conditions are not so evident until the symptoms have gotten worse. By having regular check-ups, our doctor can detect any possible red flags. Any developing health conditions can then be caught early and treated.

Having a yearly check-up can also be used as an opportunity to talk to our doctor about our weight, and our current diet and lifestyle habits.

Not every case is the same; our doctor will ask about our health history, as well as our family history, as these factors can determine which examinations we may need to repeat annually.

Ideally, a health check should include (as appropriate):

Full blood and urine tests (including cholesterol screening, triglyceride levels, a blood glucose test for diabetes, and a thyroid test),

A heart check-up,

Blood pressure checks,

A mammogram,

A Pap smear test,

An osteoporosis screening (bone density testing),

A prostate test.

Other check-ups that are also worth having are:

A colonoscopy (bowel examination),

An ovarian screening,

An eye examination,

And a hearing test.

It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for any changes on existing moles, or new moles (or other skin changes) that may have developed suddenly. Changes in the appearance of our fingernails may also indicate possible underlying health problems.

Find out more on healthy living in the “Life Doesn’t Stop at 50 Survival Guide on Aging Healthily!”