Don’t let the cost keep you from having these tests. Most health plans, including Medicare, pay for preventive tests. Your doctor can help make the case if you need a test and may be able to direct you to free or low-cost programs.
1. Blood pressure check. You can have a heart attack, a stroke, and eye and kidney problems without ever knowing you have high blood pressure. It’s a condition without symptoms. That’s why it’s important to get your blood pressure checked, even if you don’t think you have a problem. If your blood pressure is lower than 120/80, at least once every two years is fine. If your blood pressure is between 120/80 and 139/89, be sure to have it checked yearly.
2. Cholesterol screening. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. One of its main risk factors is a high blood cholesterol level.
It's recommended that you start getting your cholesterol tested at least once every five years at the age of 20. A simple blood test shows your levels and risk for heart disease.
As you age, your risk for heart disease increases. So in your 50s, it's vitally important to continue getting screened.
3. Mammogram. As a screening test for breast cancer, experts agree that a mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer early. There's some debate about how often you should get one.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women between ages 50 and 74 have a mammogram once every 2 years.
The American Cancer Society recommends a mammogram each year for women after age 40.
Talk with your doctor to determine the best schedule for you, based on your family history and other risk factors.
4. Colon cancer screening. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. When you turn 50, your chance of developing it increases. So -- unless you're at an above average risk -- 50 is the age when your doctor may recommend you start getting screened. The good news: there are several tests that can help detect colon cancer early. How often you're screened depends on which tests you and your doctor decide you should have, and what the results of your tests are. Some commonly performed screenings include:
Colonoscopy, once every 10 years
Fecal occult blood test, once a year
Sigmoidoscopy, every 5 years, combined with a fecal occult blood test every 3 years
Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are two cancer screenings that can also help prevent cancer from developing. During these screenings, your doctor can find and remove precancerous polyps from your colon.
5. Pap test. This test checks for cervical cancer, which is easy to treat when caught early. Although your risk of cervical cancer decreases with age, your need for routine Pap tests doesn’t stop with menopause. Usually women need Pap tests at least every 3 years. If you're tested for human papillomavirus (HPV) at the same time as your Pap test, your screening interval may be even longer. In most cases, you can stop having Pap tests at 65 or 70, as long as you've had no abnormal results in the past 10 years.
The Pap test is another one of the few cancer screenings that can also prevent cancer from developing. Your doctor can treat precancerous cells before they develop into cancer.
6. Bone mineral density scan. This screening checks your risk for osteoporosis. It's recommended for all women at age 65. If you are at high risk, your doctor may recommend this test once you turn 60.
Men, ages 70 and older, may also benefit from this screening.
7. AAA screening. Experts recommend a one-time abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening for men ages 65 to 75 who have smoked at any point in their lives. This ultrasound screens for an enlarged blood vessel in the abdominal area that can cause severe bleeding and death if it ruptures. If your blood vessel is enlarged, surgery can correct it.
8. Depression screening. Depression is a common cause of disability in adults, although it’s often overlooked. It frequently arises with chronic illness and aging. Depression isn't a normal part of aging, and you can get treatment. If you're feeling sad, hopeless, or not interested in your regular activities, talk with your doctor. She can see if you're depressed by having you fill out a questionnaire or by asking you a few simple questions.
9. Diabetes screening. Almost 9% of all Americans have diabetes -- including nearly 27% of people ages 65 and older. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause complications such as blindness, kidney disease, and the need for limb amputation. Ask your doctor about how often you need diabetes screenings.
10. Immunizations. As you age, you need a few extra vaccines to help you stay healthy.
Flu shot: Recommended yearly for everyone, 6 months of age and older.
Pneumonia vaccine: Recommended if you're 65 or older, and if you have diabetes, liver disease, asthma, any other type of lung disease, or problems with your immune system.
Shingles vaccine: Recommended if you're 60 or older.
Remember, there's a lot you can do on your own to stay healthy as you age.
Don't smoke.
Eat a healthy diet.
Exercise regularly.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Practice safe sex.
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