Preventative healthcare for older adults is essential since older individuals are exposed to more and more health risks as they age. Preventative services allow you to identify health risks early and prevent them before they become severe. This way, they can live healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives.
Unfortunately, most adults above 65 years do not seek out the services recommended by their physicians. Failing to get these services can be dangerous because some underlying conditions that could be found early and treated instead worsen over time. Most people do not seek preventative healthcare because they are concerned about the cost. Luckily, you can get healthcare insurance to cover expenses for preventative services.
Preventative Healthcare Screenings: Your Checklist to Improved Health
Some of the preventative healthcare examinations and screenings seniors need to consider include:
1.) Annual Wellness Exam
You need to visit your physician at least once annually for a general checkup. The doctor will check your health history and vital signs. They will also examine your general appearance, measure your weight, height, and body mass index, and ask questions about how you are feeling. A good healthcare provider will also advise you on managing:
- Your eating habits
- Physical activity levels
- The type of medications you should take
2.) Pneumococcal Vaccines
Pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for people of all ages. As a person ages, this is important because the elderly are more susceptible to pneumonia. New types of pneumonia vaccine are available that may have more protection. Please see your doctor to see what is recommended for you.
3.) Influenza Vaccine
Influenza is one of the leading causes of death in senior adults, making it important to consider taking the annual influenza vaccine.
4.) Breast Cancer Screening
More than 40% of breast cancer cases are in older women, so it’s clear that the risk of suffering from the disease increases as people grow older. It’s important to consider having a breast cancer screening every two years. Your physician may recommend having breast cancer screening (mammogram) more often. This can change or vary based on your unique risk factors.
5.) Cholesterol Screening
High cholesterol puts you at risk for strokes, heart disease, and other significant health conditions. Adult males over 35 years of age and females over 45 need to consider cholesterol screening.
6.) Colorectal Cancer Screening
All adults above 45 should consider getting a colonoscopy every three years. Also called a colorectal cancer screening, a colonoscopy is a medical test where a doctor examines your lower bowel and rectum for any potential diseases or abnormalities. There are different Colorectal cancer screening methods. Your doctor will offer advice regarding the most suitable screening option.
7.) Diabetes Screening
Diabetes is a very common illness and affects one out of every four adults above 65 years. Physicians typically recommend diabetes screening to overweight or obese individuals even if they don’t show symptoms.
8.) Covid-19 Vaccine
The older a person is, the more susceptible they are to Covid-19. It’s essential to consider taking FDA-approved vaccines to prevent the illness.
9.) Osteoporosis Screening
Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens the bones, and the risk of getting osteoporosis increases as one gets older. This makes it important to consider taking a bone density or bone mass test for effective treatment.
10.) High Blood Pressure Screening
Your blood pressure should be checked every year at a minimum. Your doctor may also conduct the high blood pressure screening anytime you pay a visit.
Questions For Your Physician
Some of the questions to ask your physician include:
- How many times do you have to do the screening?
- Can you get each screening done on your annual appointment?
- Are there factors that leave you more susceptible to certain diseases?
- How is the screening conducted?
Make an Appointment with denova Collaborative Healthcare Today
If you are looking to find quality primary care from certified physicians in Arizona, we have a solution for you at denova Collaborative Healthcare. We will take a holistic approach focusing on your physical and emotional health to ensure you improve your overall well-being. Schedule a health checkup with our primary care physicians today.
