Mammogram. Colonoscopy. CT scan. Prostate exam. If these words trigger anxiety or discomfort in you, you are not alone. The possibility of these screening exams finding a health problem that may be life-threatening can feel terrifying. You may think that having a fear of developing a disease or disorder would influence more people to get screened so they can potentially prevent it from happening, or catch it early. However, this is not always the case. People deal with anxiety and discomfort in different ways, and studies have shown that those who feel uncomfortable thinking about cancer are 12% less likely to get screened [1]. And, according to results from the Prevent Cancer Foundation 2024 Early Detection Survey, this fear or lack of initiative when it comes to attending screenings is apparent—the survey showed that nearly 7 in 10 U.S. adults are behind on one or more routine cancer screenings [2].
Yes, health screenings can be daunting, but they help provide health insight to individuals each and every day. Screenings are crucial checkpoints that can help catch possible issues early before they turn into larger ones [3]. Whether you are a senior yourself or a caregiver hoping to ensure your loved ones are in good health, understanding these screenings can make a tremendous difference in managing health proactively and increasing quality of life. This blog post will explore the essential health screenings every senior should make appointments for, what they involve, and why they are vital.
Why Seniors Should Prioritize Regular Health Checks
Health screenings are important for seniors because they help detect and manage chronic conditions before they become more serious or life-threatening. For example, regular screenings can help catch issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer early, before they become difficult to treat. Catching these issues early allows time for treatment and lifestyle changes that can prevent complications. We are lucky to have tests that can detect and identify issues early—so why not use them? It is no secret that many seniors already have chronic conditions [4]. Regular screenings are important for monitoring the progression of these conditions and for managing treatment. For example, routine blood tests can monitor the kidney function of those with diabetes.
Common health risks for seniors include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, and more [5]. Thankfully, health screenings can address nearly all of these concerns by testing for signs of the development of these diseases/disorders and monitoring their progression.
Benefits of Health Screenings for Seniors
- Early Detection and Prevention: Screenings can detect potential health issues before they become a bigger problem. This allows for early intervention and lifestyle adjustments to prevent the issue from worsening. By getting routine screenings, you take a proactive approach to your health, catching possible issues early or preventing them from arising.
- Improved Management of Chronic Conditions: Getting screened regularly allows your doctor to monitor your conditions effectively. Conditions like diabetes and heart disease require regular monitoring to ensure that they aren’t progressing or worsening, and to test if medication and treatment are working effectively. Screenings help you adjust to treatments promptly, manage your symptoms properly, and reduce the risk of complications.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Catching and addressing health concerns early through screenings helps maintain your overall quality of life. By managing your health and well-being, you increase your ability to stay active, enjoy your days, and avoid debilitating conditions that may decrease your life satisfaction.
- Informed Healthcare Decisions: Of course, your doctor will work with you to make the best decisions for your health, but that does not mean you don’t have to be knowledgeable about your condition. Screenings provide valuable information that help you and your healthcare provider make appropriate decisions regarding your health. By being able to be involved in decision-making, you may create a more effective and personalized care plan.
- Peace of Mind: Having a serious condition can be scary, but what is scarier is having a serious condition but not knowing about it. Being aware of your health issues through screenings can give you peace of mind that your issues are being monitored and managed. This provides reassurance to seniors themselves, as well as their families and loved ones. This peace of mind can reduce health anxiety and allow individuals to focus on enjoying life.
Health Screening Recommendations for Senior Citizens
Regular health screenings for seniors are vital for detecting and preventing potential health issues as early as possible. Below are the recommended screenings all seniors should receive:
- Blood Pressure Screenings: Regular monitoring to detect hypertension early.
- Cholesterol Assessments: Used to assess the risk for heart disease and stroke, measured through a blood test after fasting.
- Blood Glucose Testing: Assessed for the early detection of diabetes or pre-diabetes, measured via blood sample.
- Body Mass Index: Measured to evaluate weight-related health risk, calculated using weight and height.
- Cancer Screenings: Including mammograms (for detection of breast cancer), pap smears (for detection of cervical cancer), and colonoscopies (for detection of colorectal cancer).
- Bone Density Tests: Used to check for osteoporosis, performed using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan.
- Immunizations: Ensures up-to-date vaccinations based on age and health status, administered through injections or oral vaccines.
Tips on Creating a Personalized Health Screening Schedule
- Schedule appointments ahead of time. Plan to make your health screening appointments in advance to ensure you get an appointment that fits with your schedule. This allows you to manage your time and availability, and avoid last-minute changes or stress. This also gives you ample time to prepare for your screening by fasting or making medication adjustments.
- Keep a detailed health record. Maintain an updated and detailed record of your medical history, including the medications you currently take and have taken in the past, as well as any medical conditions. Bring the record with you to your appointments and share it with your healthcare provider. This information can be crucial for accurate assessments and personalized care.
- Follow the pre-screening instructions provided by your physician. Many screenings require pre-screening tasks or instructions, which are provided by your doctor. For example, certain screenings require fasting or avoiding certain foods and drinks. Following pre-screening instructions ensures that screenings come back as accurate as possible. If you are ever confused about pre-screening instructions, contact your healthcare provider for clarification.
Health Screenings for Senior Citizens at Greater Good Health
At Greater Good Health, we believe in the power of preventative care through senior healthcare. This is why Greater Good Health offers patients a wide variety of health screenings, tailored specifically to seniors. These screenings can provide you with valuable insight into your health. Don’t spend another minute wondering what your conditions are—make an appointment for preventative health screenings and take autonomy over your health by finding a clinic near you/contacting us today.