Are you 60 or older? Preventive medical tests and screens can help doctors catch health problems before they worsen as you approach your golden years.
Source: Marcel Scholte, Unsplash
Each decade of life brings its unique combination of milestones, growth, and the occasional battle scar. These battle scars are our body’s response to years of wear and tear from the many adventures we’ve embarked on.
While the 60s are a time to slow down and enjoy the finer things, you want to do so with an idea of how your body reacts to its age. Since our bodies are like a canvas upon which the stories of our lives exist, they could be essential pointers to the next phase of our lives.
Medical tests offer a predictive blueprint of what’s to come in your health and life’s journey, giving you ample time to embrace sustainable habits to help you enjoy your 60s.
In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive list of tests you must take to understand your health status. Keep reading to uncover the precious test that will make your golden years truly golden.
What Are Medical Tests?
Source: National Cancer Institute
Medical tests are procedures or examinations conducted by healthcare professionals to assess a person’s health status, diagnose medical conditions, monitor disease progression, or evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.
Most medical tests require body fluid analysis, tissue analysis, imaging of internal organs, or physical examinations. Some medical tests may combine more than one testing method to gain clarity of specific results.
The specific tests recommended for an individual may vary based on age, gender, medical history, family history, and risk factors for certain diseases.
Examples of medical tests include blood tests (such as lipid profiles, glucose tests, and complete blood counts), imaging studies (such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs), biopsies, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and screenings for conditions like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Why Are Medical Tests Important?
The National Library of Medicine estimates that 90% of people over 80 years will struggle with at least one chronic condition. This stat may be scary, but there is a silver lining—you can identify and stem the progression of these diseases through the proper medical tests.
Some reasons why medical tests are essential include:
- Early Detection of Age-Related Diseases: Many chronic diseases and health conditions become more familiar with age, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
- Preventive Care: Medical tests are crucial in identifying risk factors for diseases and health conditions and giving you a roadmap to stem them before they become illnesses.
- Monitoring Health Status: Medical tests monitor an individual’s health status over time, allowing healthcare providers to track changes in key indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and more.
- Monitoring Chronic Conditions: Individuals above 60 are more likely to have chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Medical tests ensure patients can develop treatment plans to improve their quality of life before the illnesses develop further.
- Assessment of Nutritional Status: Aging can impact nutrient absorption, metabolism, and overall nutritional status.
Medical tests, like blood tests that measure vitamin and mineral levels, can help identify deficiencies and guide dietary interventions or supplementation to support optimal health and well-being.
- Patient Education and Empowerment: Medical tests provide valuable information that empowers individuals to take an active role in their healthcare.
Medical Tests You Must Take In Your 60s
Blood Pressure Tests
Blood pressure is the exertive pressure of circulating blood against the blood vessels. As adults age, changes to the cardiovascular system, such as stiffening of arterial walls, reduction in elasticity of blood vessels, and loss of arterial compliance with heartbeats, cause the heart to pump out blood with more pressure.
The CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates that 48.1% of adults in the United States will have symptoms related to high blood pressure.
Estimation by Health Policy shows that 70% of Americans will have high blood pressure in their lifetime, but of this vast amount, 1 in 4 people do not have an idea of their blood pressure status.
The ideal blood pressure is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg. Readings higher than this base value indicate a rise in blood pressure and put the heart at risk.
Bone Density Tests
The National Cancer Institute describes bone density as the mineral content in bone tissue, primarily calcium and phosphorus.
Throughout life, bone tissue undergoes a continuous process of remodelling, which involves removing old or damaged bone (resorption) and forming new bone (formation).
In young adulthood, bone formation exceeds resorption, leading to an increase in bone density. However, this balance shifts with age, and bone resorption begins to outpace bone formation, gradually declining bone density.
Bone density tests are essential to help adults diagnose osteoporosis, a decrease in bone mineral density and mass. These tests are conducted over a few years using X-rays and imaging alternatives.
Cholesterol Screening
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver and obtained from dietary sources. It plays essential roles in the body, including producing hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids, which aid in fat digestion.
Cholesterol levels may continue to rise with age, particularly LDL cholesterol levels (the “bad” cholesterol), while HDL cholesterol levels (the “good” cholesterol) may decline or remain stable.
According to the CDC, about 86 million Americans. Adults aged 20 or older have total cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL.
If bad cholesterol levels increase alarmingly in the body with age, it could result in arterial fat buildup, leading to dangerous complications.
The CDC advises that adults test their cholesterol levels through screening every 4 to 6 years. Those with a genetic disposition to diabetes may need to have their cholesterol levels checked more often.
Colonoscopy
As people age, the colon undergoes several structural and functional changes.
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that studies the structural integrity or diseases of the colon. Doctors can diagnose colorectal cancer, ulcers, and polyps through these tests.
The National Cancer Institute advises adults between the ages of 45 – 75 years to get screened for colorectal cancer every decade.
Not all adults are particularly susceptible to colon complications. High-risk groups of colonial complications include individuals with:
- family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- personal history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease
- certain genetic syndromes
- obesity and sedentary lifestyle
- smokers
- heavy alcohol consumers
Fecal Occult Blood Testing
Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) is a noninvasive screening test used to detect small amounts of blood in stool, which may indicate various gastrointestinal conditions, including colorectal cancer.
If you are not a fan of invasive testing procedures, consider fecal occult testing. While this procedure is not a replacement for colonoscopy, it is an excellent substitute for you to check in on your colon annually. Still, it does not replace the need to get a colonoscopy.
Hearing Tests
Anthony Carmelo
About 33% of adults aged 65 and 74 will experience hearing loss, and this figure increases by 17% of adults over 75.
Experts at WebMD advise that adults take hearing tests every 10 years before age 50 and every three years after age 50.
HPV Tests
More than 42 million people have to live with different types of HPV in the United States. Around 13 million Americans (teens included) contract a form of HPV annually.
Of the types of existing HPV infections, 10% of these infections can lead to cervical cancer later in life.
It is advised that females take HPV tests every five years till they become 65. Popular HPV tests include collecting a sample of cells from the cervix with a swab or small brush.
Kidney Testing
Kidney testing becomes increasingly essential as individuals age, particularly those over 60, as the risk of kidney disease and related complications rises.
Regular screening for kidney function is essential for older adults, as it can help detect early signs of kidney disease and monitor kidney health over time.
If you are over 60, you should have kidney tests annually. Simple urinalysis is another critical test used to assess kidney function and detect abnormalities in the urine, such as protein, blood, or glucose, which may indicate kidney damage or dysfunction.
Mammogram
The CDC suggests that well over 200,000 cases of breast cancer are recorded in women and over 2,000 men reported breast cancer in 2023.
A mammogram is a specialised type of X-ray imaging test used to screen for and detect breast cancer in its early stages, often before symptoms are noticeable.
Undertaking regular mammograms every two years for those over 55 years can help them stem cancer development by accessing care and treatment before the disease becomes terminal.
Prostrate Cancer Screening
The chance of developing prostate cancer increases as people age. The small walnut-shaped prostate gland produces seminal fluid in men, participates primarily in reproduction, and assists in micturition.
Prostrate cancer occurs in maligned enlargement of the prostate gland. Information from the American Cancer Society suggests that over 200,000 new cases of prostate cancer are recorded each year, and more than 35,000 die from these conditions each year.
If you are 55 years and above, you should speak to medical personnel and perform prostrate cancer to understand your status and nip it in the bud before it progresses.
Some risk individuals to pay close attention to their prostrate’s status include:
- Men over 65 years old
- Men with a family history of prostate cancer, especially if a first-degree relative
- African-American heritage
- Those who consume a high diet of red meat, processed meat, and high-fat dairy products
- Cigarette smoking and obesity
Skin Cancer Check
As we go along with our daily lives, we are exposed to ultraviolet sun rays and several chemicals whose effects could trigger skin cancer occurrence.
Skin cancer is one of the more common forms of cancer in the United States, with a staggering 9,500 people diagnosed every day. Older males particularly have a much higher susceptibility to developing skin cancer.
Screening options like personal skin examinations, dermatological visits, and regular check-ups could help you understand your skin’s cancer levels. When you have medical personnel, highlight lifestyle changes to keep you safe.
Cognitive Screening
Cognitive screening becomes increasingly important for individuals over 60 as age-related changes in mental cognition and the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders become more prevalent.
Cognitive screening can help detect early signs of cognitive impairment, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early-stage dementia, before a significant functional decline occurs.
While some degree of cognitive decline is considered a normal part of ageing, significant cognitive impairment may indicate underlying neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, or other forms of dementia.
Vision tests
CDC
Vision, the chance to appreciate the beauty of our world, is also a gift that could face significant decline as people age. Even if you have enjoyed blissful eyesight all your life, you may have encountered diseases like glaucoma and cataracts.
The American Optometric Association advises that people ages 18 to 64 take eye tests every 24 months. As you age, you may need to visit the optician a little more frequently (like every 12 months).
How Often Should You Take Medical Tests?
The amount of times you should take medical tests depends on your diverse factors. Some factors that determine how often your test appointments should be include:
- Age: As individuals age, the risk of developing certain health conditions increases. Therefore, older adults may require more frequent medical tests to monitor their health and detect age-related changes or conditions.
- Personal and Family Medical History: Individuals with a history of medical conditions or a family history of certain diseases may need more frequent medical tests for early detection and monitoring.
- Existing Health Conditions: Individuals with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, or cancer, may require regular medical tests to monitor their condition, assess treatment effectiveness, and prevent complications.
- Medication Use: Certain medications can affect organ function or have potential side effects that require monitoring through medical tests.
- Lifestyle Factors: Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, exercise habits, and stress levels can impact overall health and influence the frequency of medical tests.
- Screening Guidelines: Medical organisations and professional societies issue guidelines for screening tests based on age, gender, and risk factors for specific diseases.
Takeaway
After decades of hard work and exploration, the 60s presents us with a rare opportunity to kick our feet up, pursue our life’s hobbies, and watch time slowly wind down. After all, the 60s are called the golden years for a reason.
Monitoring your health status is vital to getting the most out of your 60s and prepping your body for the adventure that awaits it. From screenings for chronic diseases to assessing your cognitive functions, keeping tabs on your health status is your best chance to a great 60s and beyond.
Embracing a genuine desire to understand your health status does not mean you expect to find something bad. It shows your commitment to a high quality of life and gives you a platform to enjoy the fruits of your experiences and accomplishments well into your golden years.
FAQs
Why are medical tests necessary in your 60s?
Medical tests in your 60s are crucial for early detection and prevention of age-related health issues. They help identify potential risks and allow for timely intervention, ultimately promoting better health outcomes as you age.
What are some common medical tests recommended for individuals in their 60s?
Common medical tests include screenings for chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and cancer and assessments for bone health, cognitive function, and vision and hearing loss.
How often should I undergo these medical tests?
The frequency of medical tests may vary depending on your health status, family history, and risk factors. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate schedule for screenings and evaluations.
Do I need to fast before medical tests?
Some tests, such as cholesterol and blood glucose, may require fasting beforehand for accurate results. Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions regarding fasting requirements for each test.
Does insurance cover these medical tests?
Health insurance plans typically cover many medical tests recommended for individuals in their 60s, especially if they are deemed medically necessary or preventive.
What if a medical test reveals abnormalities or concerns?
If a medical test detects abnormalities or concerns, your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you and recommend further evaluation or treatment options as needed.
Can you opt out of certain medical tests if I’m feeling healthy?
While you may feel healthy, certain medical tests are designed to detect underlying health conditions that may not present noticeable symptoms in their early stages.
What lifestyle changes can you make to support my health in my 60s?
In addition to undergoing recommended medical tests, a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact your overall health and well-being in your 60s. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Are there any alternative or complementary medical tests you should consider?
While conventional medical tests are essential, some individuals may explore alternative or complementary approaches to healthcare.