It is normal for your requirement for frequent medical tests to rise as you become older. Now is the time to be proactive about your health and to keep an eye out for changes in your physical appearance.

Continue reading to learn about typical tests that older persons should have performed.

Check your blood pressure

One in every three individuals has high blood pressure, which is referred to as hypertension in medical terms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source reports that high blood pressure affects 64 percent of men and 69 percent of women between the ages of 65 and 74.

High blood pressure is frequently referred to as a "silent killer" since its symptoms may not manifest themselves until it is too late. It raises your chances of having a stroke or having a heart attack. The reason for having your blood pressure checked at least once a year is to prevent complications from occurring.

Lipids are measured in the blood.

High levels of HDL cholesterol and triglycerides lower your chances of having a heart attack or having a stroke. If your doctor determines that you have high levels of either, he or she may prescribe a better diet, lifestyle modifications, or medication to help you lower them.

Exam for colorectal cancer

A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor uses a camera to inspect your colon for polyps that might be malignant. A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue that occurs in the body.

After the age of 50, you should get a colonoscopy every ten years starting at that point. Furthermore, if polyps are discovered or if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you should have them checked more regularly. If there are any masses in the anal canal, a digital rectal exam can be conducted to determine the cause of the mass.

A digital rectal exam just examines the bottom section of the rectum, whereas a colonoscopy examines the whole rectum and is performed under anesthesia. When colorectal cancer is detected early, it has a good chance of being successfully treated. Many instances, on the other hand, are not discovered until they have developed to a more advanced stage.

Vaccinations

Every ten years, you should have a tetanus shot. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone, especially those who are chronically ill, get a flu vaccination once a year.

Inquire with your doctor about getting a pneumococcal vaccination when you reach the age of 65 to protect against pneumonia and other diseases. Pneumococcal illness can cause a variety of health problems, including the following:

pneumonia
sinusitis
meningitis\sendocarditis\spericarditis
Infections of the inner ear

In addition, everyone over the age of 60 should be immunized against shingles.

Examination of the eyes

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that people get a baseline eye examination at the age of 40. Following that, your eye doctor will determine how often you should have follow-up appointments. If you wear contacts or glasses, you may need to have your vision checked annually; if you don't, you may need to have your vision checked every other year.

Age also raises the likelihood of developing eye disorders such as glaucoma or cataracts, as well as developing or worsening vision issues.

Periodontal examination

As you get older, your oral health becomes increasingly vital. A large number of older Americans may also be using drugs that might have a harmful impact on their oral health. These drugs are as follows:

antihistamines\sdiuretics\santidepressants

Natural teeth might be lost as a result of dental problems. A periodontal examination should be performed by your dentist during one of your twice-yearly cleanings. During your appointment, your dentist will take an X-ray of your jaw and examine it, as well as your mouth, teeth, gums, and throat for symptoms of abnormalities.

Examination of the hearing

Hearing loss is frequently experienced as a natural part of the aging process. It can be brought on by an infection or another medical condition in certain cases, though. You should have an audiogram performed every two to three years.

An audiogram is a test that measures your hearing ability at a range of frequencies and intensities. The majority of hearing loss is curable, while the options for therapy vary depending on the origin and severity of your hearing loss.

Scan for bone density

According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis affects 75 million individuals worldwide, with the majority of cases occurring in Japan, Europe, and the United States. Women and men are both at risk for developing this illness, however women are impacted at a higher rate than males.

Using a bone density scan, you may determine your bone mass, which is an important predictor of bone strength. After the age of 65, regular bone scans are suggested, especially for women of childbearing age.

Test for vitamin D

Many people in the United States are vitamin D deficient. This vitamin aids in the protection of your bones. It may also be beneficial in the prevention of heart disease, diabetes, and some malignancies.

You may need this test to be conducted on a yearly basis. As you grow older, your body has a more difficult time manufacturing vitamin D in the body.

Examination of Thyroid Stimulating Hormones

It is possible for the thyroid, a gland in your neck that regulates your body's metabolic rate, to generate insufficient amounts of hormones at times. Sluggishness, weight gain, and achiness are all possible outcomes. Erectile dysfunction, for example, can occur in males as a result of this medication.

It is possible to check your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level with a simple blood test and discover whether your thyroid is not working correctly.

Examine your skin

Approximately 5 million individuals are treated for skin cancer in the United States each year, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation of America. Keeping an eye out for new or worrisome moles, as well as seeing a dermatologist once a year for a full-body checkup, is the best approach to spot it early.

Diabetic testing

According to the American Diabetes Association, 29.1 million people in the United States were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2012. Individuals commencing at the age of 45 should be checked for the disorder. This is accomplished by the use of a fasting blood sugar test or an A1C blood test.

Mammogram

Some doctors disagree on the frequency with which women should undergo a breast checkup and mammography. Some people feel that every two years is the optimal time frame.

An yearly screening mammography and a clinical breast exam are recommended by the American Cancer Society for women between the ages of 45 and 54, according to the organization. Women over the age of 55 should undergo a mammogram every two years, or once a year if they prefer.

If you have a high risk of breast cancer due to a family history of the disease, your doctor may recommend that you get an annual screening.

Pap smear is an examination of the cervix.

Many women over the age of 65 may require a routine pelvic check as well as a Pap smear. Cervical or vaginal cancer can be detected by the use of Pap smears. When it comes to health concerns such as incontinence or pelvic discomfort, a pelvic exam is helpful. Women who no longer have a cervix may no longer need to have Pap smears performed.

Prostate cancer screening is recommended.

A digital rectal exam or the measurement of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in your blood can both indicate the presence of prostate cancer.

There is disagreement about when screening should begin and how frequently it should be conducted. The American Cancer Society recommends that doctors discuss prostate cancer screening with men over the age of 50 who are at average risk for the disease. They will also discuss prostate cancer screening with men between the ages of 40 and 45 who are at high risk for the illness, have a family history of the disease, or have an immediate relative who has died as a result of the disease.