Maintaining good physical and mental health is essential to living a longer and happier life.
There are about 20 tests or screens available for seniors to ensure optimal health and wellness. It is based on the recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel of primary care and prevention experts, and Medicare’s scope of preventive health services. .
Of course, which tests are needed depends on many factors, including age, weight, gender, family history, risk factors, and doctor recommendations.
The Affordable Care Act mandates no-cost preventive care, so in 2011 Medicare began offering a variety of free preventive care services. Some services may need to be ordered during your annual wellness visit to be eligible. Otherwise, you may need to cover the costs with your own expense or private insurance.
“People live independently and in communities into their 90s and love it. Health professor Richard Bezdin said, “Not all of these are fatal illnesses, but they can rob you of the enjoyment of life. And what’s the point?”
Besdine says a Mediterranean diet and daily exercise top the list of the most important habits for healthy aging. Getting enough sleep is important, as is quitting smoking and limiting alcohol.
Mental health is just as important. Many older adults face depression, loneliness and isolation during life changes such as the loss of a spouse. If you or a loved one is showing signs of depression, ask your doctor to screen you for depression.
Also, stay up-to-date on vaccines for COVID-19, shingles, flu, and more. Also consider the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), which helps prevent meningitis and bloodstream infections, and the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), which prevents pneumonia.
The following is a summary of the periodic examinations that you should receive as an elderly person.
Vision test
Eye health may gradually decline as you age, but you may not notice the changes right away. Poor vision can affect your ability to drive, move around the house, and perform daily tasks. In addition, the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma increases with age.
Additionally, a recent study found that up to 100,000 cases of dementia in the United States could be prevented with improved eye care.
According to a study published this year, Department of Neurology, JAMAOne of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia is to correct your vision problems with the help of eye exams, glasses and cataract surgery.
Researchers have found that about 1.8% of dementia cases in the United States are associated with visual impairment, and by 2050 they predicted that total would rise to about 250,000 cases. Researchers also found that the incidence of visual impairment in older adults was higher in his 11% of Hispanic race compared to an average of 8.3% in blacks and non-Hispanic whites.
A study published last year in the British Journal of Ophthalmology also suggested that certain eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetes-related eye disease, may be associated with an increased risk of dementia. it was done.
“Avoiding dementia is the greatest job of doctors and patients,” said Bethdin. “Do everything you can to keep your mind and body healthy.”
hearing test
While we’re talking about dementia, get a hearing test. Get hearing aids if you need them.
A 2020 Lancet Commission report lists hearing loss as one of the biggest risk factors for dementia, so people with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia.
Studies have found that people with moderate hearing loss are twice as likely to experience cognitive decline as their peers, and people with severe hearing loss face five times the risk.
Hearing aids are now available over-the-counter in the United States. Prescription hearing aids costing thousands of dollars are only a few hundred dollars. The White House estimates people can save about $3,000 by purchasing the off-the-shelf device.
Also read: ‘Democratize what you get’: Hearing aids are now available over-the-counter — what you need to know
Walmart WMT,
Walgreens WBA,
CVS CVS,
and Best Buy BBY,
We are now one of the national retailers selling hearing aids.
dental checkup
Gum disease increases the risk of heart attack. That alone can get him to the dentist, but gum health can also be a good barometer of overall health.Teeth, gums, mouth, and throat should be checked, ideally twice a year. must be checked by However, Medicare does not cover dental check-ups, so private insurance or out-of-pocket costs are required.
blood pressure screening
Hypertension, or hypertension, is common. More than half of adults in the United States have it. As we age, our arteries change and become stiffer. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.
diabetes screening
After age 65, both men and women should be screened for diabetes regularly. The American Diabetes Association recommends a fasting blood glucose test at least once every three years to detect diabetes early and manage it from becoming a life-threatening disease.
breast cancer screening
The Mayo Clinic supports breast cancer screening starting at age 40. Women up to age 75 should have mammograms every 1 to 2 years, depending on risk factors. Risk factors include starting menstruation before age 12, family history of breast cancer, dense breasts, and genetic mutations. Women over the age of 75 should discuss the need for ongoing breast cancer screening with their doctor.
osteoporosis screening
As we age, our bones become thinner, making us more susceptible to fractures and fractures, especially in our hips and spine. Every woman over the age of 64 should have a bone density scan at least once a year. Men over the age of 70 should consider getting screened for osteoporosis. Especially if you have a family history of osteoporosis.
prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is a common disease in men, especially those over the age of 65. A doctor can check for prostate cancer by doing a physical examination and blood tests. Signs of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating, unexplained weight loss, and blood in the urine.
colon cancer screening
Colorectal cancer is most common in older people, with an average age at diagnosis of 68 years for men and 72 years for women. Seek medical attention if you experience changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or bleeding.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults between the ages of 45 and 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. Screening types include stool tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy). Adults aged 76 to her 85 should consult their doctor as to whether they should continue to be screened.
skin test
The American Cancer Society recommends regular skin cancer screening. If you have unusual moles or skin changes, have a history of skin cancer and are at high risk, have a close relative who has had skin cancer, or have a weakened immune system, be sure to see your doctor for skin care. Please request an inspection.
