7 Must Have Health Checkups for Seniors

Health is wealth, and this is true. To live longer, you need to keep this proverb in mind. To stay healthy, you need to prevent some health conditions, which can only be done through regular health check-ups – they will help you live a healthy life. These check-ups become even more important when you start ageing, and you must do them consistently. If you are up to 60 yearsor older, go through our list of essential health check-ups for seniors and plan to get them.

When you reach a certain age, you need to become more proactive about your health. This means that every health issue should be treated as necessary. By this time, you will have to monitor your body for changes, and the standard health check-up will not be enough to detect all. Hence, it would help if you underwent a comprehensive health check-up as a senior citizen.

1. Blood pressure check

The high blood pressure problem is widespread and found in one out of three adults. It is mainly called hypertension. Most men and women between 65 and 74 years have high blood pressure.

Hypertension is also called the ‘silent killer’ because most of its symptoms appear after the disease has developed significantly. A patient may have hypertension and not be aware of it, hence, not take preventive measures – this raises their chances of having a heart attack. Therefore, seniors need to have a blood pressure check-up at least once a year to help prevent the consequences that accompany this disease.

2. Bone density scan

Osteoporosis is a disease that is affecting millions of people in the world. This is a condition that affects both men and women. However, women are more prone to the condition than men.

Bone density check-up can help measure the bone mass. Therefore, it is a good indicator to check your bone strength. Bone scan has become an essential scan for women above the age of 65.

3. Lipid profile check-up

The lipid profile check-up is used to measure both the good and bad cholesterol. The good cholesterol and triglyceride levelreduces one’s chances of a heart attack and stroke. Researches also show that having a good lifestyle, healthy diet, and proper medications can help you reduce these diseases too.

4. Colorectal cancer exam

A colonoscopy test is usually needed to examine colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy is a camera that is usually inserted into the colon to scan it for cancerous polyps. It is required to be taken every ten years after you get to the age of 60. When the test result is positive, it means that there are polyps in your colon.
People with a family history of colorectal cancer have an increased risk of having it too. With a rectal exam, your health team can access your anal canal and check for masses.

This test is a digital exam and usually performed on the lower part of the rectum. The colonoscopy scan is typically used to check the entire rectum. Having this exam early is helpful for the timely detection and treatment of colorectal cancer.
So, even if you are pretty sure of not having the condition, still take the test. The disease can be cured through early detection and will prevent future complications.

5. Vaccinations

It would help if you took a tetanus injection every 10 years—this test helps find the yearly flu injection for chronically ill people. People above the age of 65 must also get a pneumococcal vaccine. It will help them prevent pneumonia and other infections.

Several other vaccines are available to protect you from many dangerous but preventable diseases. You must be up to date with these vaccines since it is very important for you as a senior.

Taking vaccines and other preventive measures are essential for the prevention of pneumococcal disease. They can also prevent the occurrence of several other health issues like:

• Pneumonia
• Inner ear infection
• Endocarditis
• Sinusitis
• Meningitis
• Pericarditis

6. Complete Blood Count (CBC) test

The complete blood count test is a collection of many tests, especially those related to the other cells in your body. The CBC test checks for the following parameters:

• White blood cell count (WBCs): The number of white blood cells in the body is measured per micro litre of blood with this test.
• Red blood cell count (RBCs): The number of red blood cells in the body is measured per microlitre of blood with this test.
• Platelet count (Plts): This test is used to measure the number of platelets contained per microlitre of blood.
• Haemoglobin (Hgb): This test is used to measure the number of grams of haemoglobin (which is the oxygen-carrying protein) in the body. It is estimated per decilitre of blood.
• Haematocrit (Hct): This is where the amount of blood in the RBC is calculated.
• Mean corpuscular volume (MCV): This is where the average size of the red blood cell is known.

You can contact us for your blood count test. Book an appointment with us.

7. Thyroid profile check-up

The thyroid gland is in the neck. It is the gland that produces the hormones used in regulating your metabolic rate. However, it may not produce enough hormones, which can lead to sluggishness, weight gain, or aches. Men that are affected by this condition can suffer erectile dysfunction.

People with thyroid problems should take a simple blood test to evaluate their level of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH). It is helpful in determining the amount of thyroid in the body and check if it is low, high, or normal.

You should also take an eye test, prostate test, stool test, and anemia test in addition to these tests.

When you reach a certain age, you need to become more proactive about your health. This means that every health issue should be treated as necessary.Many hospitals in the UK offer comprehensive health screening for senior citizens. Still, you may want to go for the one with a diligent health team, state of the art facility, and a track record of accuracy.