Essential health checkups for the elderly

As we age, the incidence of illnesses and medical needs increase. Monitoring how our body changes through regular health checkups is crucial to detecting underlying conditions in the early stage and maintaining the quality of life. 

Below are the recommended vaccinations and screening tests for the elderly.

Vaccinations

• Flu shot: An annual shot for everyone.
• Tetanus booster: Everyone should get a tetanus booster shot every ten years
• Shingles vaccine: People over 60 years old should get vaccinated against shingles.
• Pneumococcal vaccine: People over 65 or above should get the pneumococcal vaccine against pneumococcal infections, which can lead to health conditions such as pneumonia, inner ear infections, sinusitis, meningitis, endocarditis, and pericarditis.

Blood pressure check

People can have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. It is known as a “silent killer” because it is asymptomatic before severe complications set in. 64% of men and 69% of women aged between 65-74 have high blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. It is essential to have your blood pressure checked at least once annually.  

Lipid profile

Getting a blood test to check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels can help decrease the risk of developing a stroke or heart attack. If you have a high level of bad cholesterol in your blood, you should make lifestyle modifications, changes in diet, or take appropriate medications.

Diabetes screening test

The prevalence of diabetes increases with age. People 35 years old or above should regularly have an HbA1c or fasting blood sugar test after an 8-hour fast.
 

Hearing test

Hearing impairment or hearing loss is ubiquitous with aging, particularly high-frequency hearing loss. An elderly should take an audiogram test every 2-3 years. 

Periodontal exam

The elderly have poorer dental health, tooth decay, tooth caries, xerostomia, gingival recession, and periodontitis. These lead to a higher risk of tooth loss. People should have an oral cleaning and checkup every six months; the dentist can examine your mouth, gums, teeth, and throat for early signs of oral cancer and other conditions. 

Skin check

Always notice and consult the doctor if you develop new or suspicious moles. If you have a change of skin color, lump, or chronic wound, seek a medical diagnosis and treatment.

Thyroid-stimulating Hormone screening

This blood test checks the function of your thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism. If the production of hormones is inadequate, it can lead to health conditions such as weight gain, sluggishness, achiness, or erectile dysfunction in men. Those with hyperthyroidism can develop weight loss, cardiac arrhythmia, sweating, and heart palpitation.

Bone density scan

Females over 65 and males over 70 should have a bone density scan. Osteoporosis can affect both men and women, but postmenopausal women are particularly at a much higher risk, which can lead to bone fractures from minor accidents. Raising awareness of osteoporosis risk is warranted.

Vitamin D test

Vitamin D deficiency is widespread. The early detection of vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency can help keep your bones strong and healthy, boost your immune system, and prevent you from diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Adequate vitamin D levels can maintain muscle mass and strength and reduce the risk of falls in the elderly. 

Breast cancer screening

Women between 40-69 years old should perform a regular self-breast exam and have a screening by trained healthcare professionals once a year, along with mammography every 1-2 years. 

Colorectal cancer exam

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in Thailand. Getting older or having a family history of colon cancer are important risk factors for cancer. A colonoscopy examines the entire large bowel for colonic polyps or cancer. People ages 50 or above should have a colonoscopy once every ten years. If polyps are detected, or your parents or siblings have had colorectal cancer, more frequent colonoscopies are needed. Detecting cancer in the early stage simplifies treatment and increases the chance of a cure.

Cervical cancer screening

A regular pelvic exam and Pap smear can help detect vaginal or cervical cancer. A screening test can be every three years until age 65 if you have two unremarkable consecutive annual pap tests. Incontinence or pelvic pain can be diagnosed with a pelvic exam.

Eye exam

Adults ages 40 and above should get an eye exam to check the age-related vision change and other common eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50 years old.

Prostate cancer screening

Men over the age of 50 are at risk of prostate cancer. However, those with a family history of prostate cancer are at higher risk and should have the screening starting at age 40. The doctor may perform a digital rectal exam and order a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Discuss the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening with a doctor before the procedure.

Article by
Assist.Prof.Dr Sirasa Ruangritchankul

A doctor specializing in geriatrics medicine
Doctor profile