Which Health Screenings Do You Need as You Age?

Knowing which health checks to prioritise as you get older can be overwhelming. Below is a comprehensive guide to essential screenings, helping you stay on top of your health.

1. Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Checks

• Why it’s important: High blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

• How often? At least once a year for blood pressure and every 4-6 years for cholesterol (or more frequently if at risk).

🔎 Research Insight: A study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that routine blood pressure screenings significantly lower heart disease risks (Baker et al., 2018).

2. Diabetes Screenings

• Why it’s important: Undiagnosed diabetes can lead to nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart complications.

• How often? Every 3 years for adults over 45, or more frequently if at risk.

3. Cancer Screenings

• Mammograms (Breast Cancer)

  • Why? Detects breast cancer early, improving survival rates.

  • How often? Every 2 years for women 50+.

  • 🔎 Research Insight: Mammograms reduce breast cancer mortality by 20% (Tabár et al., 2011).

• Colonoscopy (Colorectal Cancer)

  • Why? Identifies precancerous growths early.

  • How often? Every 10 years from age 50 (or more frequently if high risk).

• Skin Checks

  • Why? Helps detect melanoma and skin cancer early.

  • How often? At least once a year, especially for those with sun exposure history.

4. Bone Density Tests (DEXA Scan)

• Why it’s important: Osteoporosis is common in older adults and increases fracture risk.

• How often? Every 2-5 years depending on bone health history.

5. Vision & Hearing Tests

• Why it’s important: Vision loss (cataracts, glaucoma) and hearing decline impact daily life and safety.

• How often? Every 1-2 years.

6. Mental Health & Cognitive Screenings

• Why it’s important: Depression, anxiety, and dementia often go undiagnosed in older adults.

• How often? Regular cognitive and emotional well-being assessments help detect early signs of decline.

🔎 Research Insight: A study from The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that early screening for depression leads to better treatment outcomes (Friedrich, 2017).

How to Make Health Screenings a Priority

📅 Plan Check-ups in Advance – Book appointments before symptoms appear to stay proactive.

🔄 Follow a Personalised Plan – Work with your doctor to create a tailored screening schedule based on age and risk factors.

🏥 Don’t Ignore Mental Health – Regular screenings for cognitive function, mood, and emotional well-being are just as important as physical health tests.

Final Thoughts

Routine health screenings keep you in control of your well-being and help prevent long-term complications. By prioritising preventative care, you’re taking the best possible step toward a long, healthy, and independent life.