Don’t be one of those people who avoids medical checks at all costs – including their own health. While going to the doctor might not be everyone’s favourite activity, it becomes more and more important the older you get. It’s tempting to avoid the doctor unless you have a problem – but this strategy can lead to serious health problems down the track. Don’t wait until something goes wrong – it’s better to stay on top of your medical health now before the problems of increasing age arrive.
Regular health checks are important, even if you’re feeling healthy and well. They allow you to check for current or emerging medical problems, assess your risk of future issues and encourage you to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are the essential health checks you really shouldn’t miss at particular age groups.
Health checks you need in your 50s
Once you reach your 50s, it’s more important than ever to keep an eye on your health. As with most things, prevention is better than cure. Even if you feel healthy and well, it’s wise to keep up to date with screening for common health issues. Here are the health checks you need in your 50s:
- Bone density scan
- Blood pressure and cholesterol checks for heart health every two to four years
- Faecal occult blood test (FOBT) to screen for bowel cancer every two years
- Twice yearly dental check-up
- Yearly urine test to assess kidney health
- Diabetes blood glucose check every three years
- Eyesight test every two years
- Waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) every year
- Skin check at least every few years
- For women, mammogram every two years and cervical screening every five years
- Prostate test for men
Health checks you need in your 60s
Once you reach your 60s, it’s more important than ever to keep an eye on your health. As with most things, prevention is better than cure. Even if you feel healthy and well, it’s wise to keep up to date with screening for common health issues. Make the following health checks part of your regular routine once you hit your 60s:
- Blood pressure check every 2 years
- Bowel cancel check every 2 years
- Blood glucose test every 3 years
- Waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) every year
- Heart disease risk assessment every 2 years
- Cholesterol test every 5 years
- Dental check up every year
- Osteoporosis risk assessment every year
- Skin check every 2 years
- Eyesight and hearing test every 2 years, and every year once you turn 65
- For women, have a mammogram every 2 years and a cervical screening test every 5 years
- For men, prostate test as recommended by your GP
- Falls assessment test once you reach the age of 65
Health checks you need in your 70s
Once you reach your 70s, it’s more important than ever to keep an eye on your health. As with most things, prevention is better than cure. Even if you feel healthy and well, it’s wise to keep up to date with screening for common health issues. Make the following health checks part of your regular routine once you hit your 70s:
- Blood pressure check and heart disease risk assessment every two years – every year if you have diabetes, kidney problems, heart disease or other conditions
- Cholesterol and lipids check every five years – more often if you have high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney problems, heart disease or other conditions
- Bowel cancer screening every two years
- Osteoporosis risk assessment every year
- Blood glucose test every three years – more often if you are overweight or have other risk factor for diabetes
- Eyesight, hearing and dental check-ups every year
- Regular falls assessments and skin cancer checks
- Women should have a mammogram every two years and a cervical screening test every five years
- Flu vaccination and physical exam every year
- Former and current smokers should consider undergoing lung cancer screening
