The Most Important Health Screenings Every Senior Should Have

As you age, many aspects of your life can begin to change, including your health. 

Because of these health changes that all senior adults encounter, it’s important to prioritize regular visits to your health care provider. The focus is on managing current health conditions and preventing new ones from developing or becoming severe. 

Those who specialize in senior care, such as Charles Stone, MD, and the team at HealthStone Primary Care Partners in Hollywood, Florida, provide primary health care services that specifically focus on the health needs of older adults. 

This is especially important since over half of seniors have more than one chronic health condition. 

Understandably, trying to stay on top of health visits and screenings may feel overwhelming. We’re happy to highlight some of the more important screenings to include in your health care plan.

Important health screenings for seniors

Part of effective health care is preventive care. By visiting Dr. Stone and our team regularly, health issues can be caught early, before they’ve had a chance to progress and wreak havoc on your well-being. 

As you get older, this becomes increasingly important since your risk for numerous health conditions increases with age. With these things in mind, here are some of the top health screenings you need regularly to protect your health and wellness:

Blood pressure 

High blood pressure, or hypertension, doesn’t present with any symptoms, so you need to be screened for it at least annually after age 40. Having undiagnosed hypertension puts you at risk for serious health complications, such as heart disease. 

Cholesterol

High cholesterol with plaque-related buildup is an underlying cause of heart attacks and strokes, and it also doesn’t present with any symptoms. As long as it’s caught early, high cholesterol can be easily managed. 

High cholesterol screenings can be done about every five years, more often if you’re already developing changes. 

Weight checks

Being overweight puts you at risk for all sorts of health complications. As you age, your muscle gradually gets replaced with fat and your metabolism rate slows down. Checking your weight with our team regularly can help you stay on track with weight fluctuations. 

Colorectal cancer screening

In cases of colorectal cancer, 60% are found in adults who are over the age of 70. For this reason, you need to be screened for this type of cancer every 5-10 years. Exactly how frequently you undergo testing is typically decided by your age and other risk factors. 

Breast cancer screenings

For women, age is a considerable risk factor for breast cancer, with females over the age of 65 accounting for 40% of breast cancer cases. Depending on your specific risk factors, you typically need a breast exam and mammogram every 1-2 years after turning 50. 

Prostate cancer screening

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men after skin cancer. Early detection is key to a good prognosis. Our team can help you determine how often you may need this screening. 

Vision and hearing tests

Hearing and vision loss are incredibly common in senior adults. 

Vision loss and eye issues, such as cataracts and glaucoma, can start to affect your driving, and hearing loss can actually put you at risk for dementia. 

Our team can check your hearing and vision at annual wellness exams. 

Vaccinations

Staying on top of your vaccinations, such as the influenza vaccine, shingles vaccine, and pneumococcal vaccines, protects you from potentially life-threatening complications of these diseases that you’re more at risk for as an older adult.

Learn about our comprehensive and individualized senior care 

If you’re an adult over the age of 65, our Healthstone Primary Care team would love to partner with you to ensure you’re getting optimal health care tailored to your specific needs. 

Schedule an appointment with our senior care specialists by calling our office or using our convenient online booking feature today.