Recommended Medical Tests Every Senior Should Get

Mon, Mar 8, 2021 8:18 PM Medicare

Daily medical examinations are important for all. Keeping up with your daily scans will help you catch disease symptoms early and seek treatment (or even preventative care) as soon as possible.

Seniors need extra attention when it comes to preventative care. Many problems become more common as we get older. Using these tests in your regular medical treatment is a great way to get a better understanding of your health and will help you handle complications as soon as they arise when your chances of beating them are the greatest.

Please note that Medicare and MA/Medigap supplemental plans do not cover all of the tests mentioned below.

 

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Vision Test

 

Annual vision checks should be a part of regular medical checkups. Some vision loss, like hearing loss, is a normal part of aging. Annual monitoring will help you maintain the accuracy of your glasses or contact lens prescription, enhancing your quality of life. However, glaucoma and cataract screening are also significant. Early detection of disease symptoms is critical for receiving prompt preventative treatment. Your senior years can be a pivotal and exciting period in your life. You may be approaching retirement, which will provide you with new opportunities and ways to spend your time.

Based on your particular family background and medical conditions, talk to your doctor about when and how often you should have these screenings. Regular medical testing will help you make the most of these years by keeping you safe and involved so you can enjoy this period of your life to the fullest.

 

Hearing Test

 

Hearing loss is a common side effect of growing older. It can also be one of the most aggravating experiences for you and those around you. If the shape of your ear changes, you can find it more difficult to hear what's going on around you. Regular checkups will help you detect hearing loss early on and compensate with the right hearing aids. You can have an audiogram at any time, but you should have one every two to three years at the very least.

 

Blood Sugar Screening

 

Diabetes affects more than 10% of the population in the United States. Diabetes is a long-term condition that can only be managed, not cured. However, the sooner you start handling it, the better. Furthermore, if your blood sugar levels are in the pre-diabetes range, you will still strive to lower them before developing diabetes. If you don't have any other problems or are at risk, it's important to test your blood sugar at least once every three years.

 

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Cholesterol Screening

 

Your cholesterol screening, also known as a lipid panel, is another critical blood test. Knowing the HDL and LDL (“good” and “bad”) cholesterol levels will aid in the early detection of potential heart problems. You'll have to fast for 12 hours before the exam, but it'll be well worth it if you spot a heart or coronary artery problem early. A cholesterol screening should be done every 5 years for people with an average risk of heart disease. You may need a test more often if you have such risk factors.

 

 

Kidney Examination

 

Kidney diagnostic tests check the levels of certain waste products in your blood to determine how well your kidneys are working. A kidney function test is recommended every five years for most people, but if you have any signs of kidney failure, such as swelling in your extremities or bloody urine, a kidney function test would be an essential part of the diagnostic process.

 

Blood pressure test

 

A blood pressure test is also necessary. If you visit the doctor on a regular basis, you will almost certainly be given a blood pressure test during each visit. However, if you don't go to the doctor on a regular basis, you can start. It's important to have a blood pressure test at least once a year to keep on top of your cardiovascular health. Since high blood pressure slows the flow of nutrient-rich blood to organs that need it, it can have a cascading effect on your body.

 

Blood Test

 

Many examinations are technically referred to as "blood tests." Anything from cholesterol to kidney function can be measured with blood tests. The well-being of the blood, on the other hand, is crucial. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) can detect conditions such as anemia and bone marrow problems. A CBC once every five years or so is a decent starting point. However, if your doctor suggests one earlier, it's probably a good idea.

 

Colonoscopy

 

A colorectal exam is a form of colonoscopy. A doctor will check the colon with a camera to look for signs of irregular growths that may suggest cancer.

Colonoscopies are a vital part of preserving your health since most new cases of colon cancer occur after the age of 50. Colorectal cancer is very treatable if caught early. Unfortunately, it is often overlooked until it is too late. Colorectal tests should be done every ten years, but you should get them more often if you have a family history of colorectal cancer.

 

Note: If you have a high risk of colorectal cancer, Medicare can cover a colonoscopy once every 120 months or once every 24 months.

 

Bone Density Scan

 

Only bone density tests can detect osteoporosis and can be used to check for the disease before a bone breaks. These tests will warn you whether you need to take steps to increase your bone density, as well as monitor whether it's staying the same, declining, or improving over time. A bone density test is recommended for women 65 and older, men 70 and older, and anyone who has broken a bone after the age of 50.

 

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Dental X-rays

 

For seniors, a dental X-ray can be a crucial examination. Antihistamines and antidepressants, as well as a variety of diseases, may have an effect on your oral health. Dental check-ups should be done twice a year for all, but they are particularly necessary for seniors, who are more likely to be impacted by these issues. At least one of your twice-yearly checkups should include an X-ray of your jaw.

 

 

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