Vital Tests For Your Healthy Senior

Even if your senior is enjoying good health, it’s important to make sure that they stay on top of their physical well-being. They need to get regular screenings in order to identify any potential problems before they’re allowed to progress. Senior health experts encourage elderly individuals over the age of 60 to get the following exams regularly:

Colon cancer screening tests

A colonoscopy is a necessary test to identify the presence of colon cancer and other problems in this area. It should be done every 10 years, beginning at the age of 50; however, some may need it more frequently if they have an elevated risk of the disease. 

Blood pressure

Millions of Americans are dealing with high blood pressure and have no idea. This sets them up for a series of health concerns, including heart, brain, and kidney problems. Your elderly loved one should have their blood pressure checked by a doctor at least once a year.

A breast exam and mammogram for women

Because breast cancer risks increase with age, it’s important for older women to get regular mammograms and have a breast exam done by a doctor. Some doctors advise getting a mammogram every one to two years starting at age 40 or 50, though opinions on this matter vary, so it’s important that your senior talks with her healthcare professional. 

Monitoring weight

Senior care experts explain that as a person ages, they often gain weight. This is due to a slowed metabolism and other biological factors. While some amount of weight gain is normal, make sure that this is kept in check. If your elderly loved one gets particularly overweight, it can up their risk for a number of serious health concerns.

A rectal exam

While this is one of the exams seniors dread the most, it’s also one of the most necessary. The rectal exam and a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) can raise awareness about masses or bleeding that a person may not be able to detect with the naked eye. It can alert a medical professional to serious but treatable problems in the colon, and can also send up a signal about prostate cancer in men. Though these tests and others may cause a few moments of discomfort, they play a crucial part in prolonging your elderly parent’s health and well-being.