Necessary health checks in the elderly

In addition to the things that help improve health, health checks in the elderly are also very important and need to be performed periodically.

Everyone is recommended to have an annual health checkup, especially when they are old. So do you really know what to do for health checks in the elderly? Let’s learn with Hello Bacsi through the following article.

Check blood pressure

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 64% of men and 74% of women aged 65–74 have high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer” because the symptoms are not obvious. This condition increases the risk of stroke or sudden cardiac death. That’s why you should have your blood pressure checked at least once a year, especially as you get older.

Blood fat test when checking health in the elderly

Low cholesterol and triglyceride levels reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death or stroke. If the test results show high levels of these substances, your doctor will advise you to improve your diet, change your lifestyle, or use medication to lower your cholesterol.

Colorectal cancer screening

Colonoscopy can help detect cancerous lesions in the colon. After age 50, you should have a colonoscopy every ten years.

If polyps are detected or if there is a family history of colorectal cancer, more frequent screening is recommended. If colorectal cancer is detected early, the chances of cure are higher.

Eye exam during health check in the elderly

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that 40-year-olds have an eye exam. Your ophthalmologist will rely on the results and advise on the timing of routine checkups. Age increases the risk of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and other vision problems.

Dental check-up

Elderly people need to take care of their oral health. Some medications can have an adverse effect on oral health, such as:

• Antihistamines
• Diuretic
• Antidepressants

Dental problems such as loss of natural teeth. Therefore, you need to see your dentist for regular check-ups of your mouth, teeth, gums, and throat.

Hearing test

Hearing loss is a natural part of the aging process. Sometimes it can be caused by an infection or other medical condition. Ideally, you should have your hearing checked every 2-3 years.

You will have an audiogram. Most cases of hearing loss are treatable, depending on the cause and severity of the hearing loss.

Measurement of bone density during health checks in the elderly

Both men and women are at risk for osteoporosis, but women are more likely to get it. Bone density measurement helps measure bone mass, an important indicator of bone strength. This method is recommended for people over 65 years old, especially women, or earlier in special cases.

Vitamin D Test

Vitamin D helps protect bone health and protects against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Over time, the body will no longer be able to synthesize vitamin D well. You should have a vitamin D test every year.

Thyroid stimulating hormone test

The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the neck that regulates the rate of metabolic processes in the body. Sometimes, it doesn’t produce enough hormones, making you sluggish, easy to gain weight or aching.

For men, this condition can cause erectile dysfunction. Do a simple blood test to check your hormone levels and determine how well your thyroid is functioning.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) when checking health in the elderly

Both men and women over the age of 50 should have an electrocardiogram. Then, at least every 2–3 years, you should re-measure, possibly more often if necessary.

Blood sugar test when checking health in the elderly

Everyone should start testing their blood sugar at age 45 or older to screen for diabetes. Tests include fasting blood glucose and HbA1C testing.

Mammography

Most doctors say you should have it done every 2 years. If you’re at high risk for breast cancer because of a family history of the disease, your doctor may recommend yearly screening.

Pap test (PAP smear) screening for cervical cancer

Women over 65 should have a PAP test. The PAP test can help detect cervical cancer.

Prostate cancer screening

Prostate cancer can be detected by a rectal exam or by measuring the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. Whether or not PSA should be measured and how often will be determined by your doctor.

Here are some things to do when checking the health of the elderly. Depending on your family history and other factors, you may need relevant tests.