Home / Health Insurance / Wellness Corner / Medical Tests You Must Undergo After 60 ( EST READ TIME: 3 minutes )

Essential Medical Tests to Undergo After 60

Ageing is inevitable, and so are some age-related conditions. Moreover, the immune system also weakens with age and makes you susceptible to infections and other conditions. Therefore, if you are living the golden years of your life, take good care of your health to keep ailments at bay. Moreover, you must opt for routine medical tests for diabetes, thyroid, heart disease, blood cholesterol, etc., for early diagnosis of these age-related health conditions. Timely diagnosis can prevent major health issues, promote overall quality of life, and increase life expectancy. If you have little or no idea about the medical tests you must undergo after 60, take a look at this article to learn about important medical tests and health check-ups for senior citizens.

Medical Tests for the Elderly

The following are some important medical tests for senior citizens:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) test

This blood test is used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anaemia, infection and leukaemia. A CBC measures, counts, evaluates, and studies many aspects of your blood, including levels of WBC, RBC, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelets.

2. RA Factor test

Rheumatoid refers to the proteins generated by our immune system that may dishevel our healthy lifestyle. This blood test is an important medical test for senior citizens, as it helps to detect autoimmune diseases, especially in aged citizens who may suffer from joint pain.

3. Thyroid profile check-up test

The two most common medical tests after 60 for determining the functioning of the thyroid glands are the TSH test and the T4 test. These tests help in the detection of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland produces hormones that help boost energy levels and regulate mood, metabolism, heart rate, breathing, etc. Hence, maintaining good thyroid health is important for your overall well-being.

4. Diabetes test

This is one of the important medical tests after 60 and is of two types: postprandial and fasting test. The fasting blood test after an overnight fast is useful for diagnosing pre-diabetes and diabetes. There is also the HbA1c test that is used to measure glucose levels that are attached to the haemoglobin.

5. Medical tests to ensure a healthy heart

Heart diseases are common among aged people and it is necessary to go for an overall heart check-up in order to detect any heart conditions. There are various medical tests like ECG, 2D echo, and cardiac arrest tests which help in early detection of any heart abnormalities.

6. Lipid profile check-up test

The lipid profile check-up helps to assess the levels of good and bad cholesterol and triglycerides in our blood, as any discrepancy in their levels may lead to hypertension or heart attack.

7. Urine profile test

This test helps to detect if there are any issues with the functioning of the liver and kidneys. The test may also detect urinary tract infections as well as different problems regarding metabolism that may come up with ageing.

8. Calcium Test

This medical test for senior citizens is important to discern and take measures against many approaching bone and heart diseases. This test can also diagnose conditions related to the nerves, muscles, kidneys and other organs in the body.

9. PSA Test for men

Prostate cancer is quite common among aged men and this particular blood test checks for PSA levels in the blood which if high can detect the possibility of prostate cancer.

10. CA 125 for women

The test is necessary for women with a higher risk of ovarian cancer. However, it does not ensure that you have cancer as it may also be found in non-cancerous diseases.

11. Vitamin B12 test

This test checks for Vitamin B12 levels in the blood. This vitamin is essential for making red blood cells and supporting cell and tissue repair. A Vitamin B12 deficiency in ageing individuals may lead to nervous system diseases as well as memory loss. It can also reduce the number of RBCs (red blood cells) in the body, slow down metabolism, weaken the bones, and affect overall well-being.

12. Eye and dental check-up tests

As it is common for aged people to suffer from diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinopathy, and receding gums, an overall dental and eye check-up can help prevent it from worsening.

13. Bone density scan

This senior citizen health check-up test is done to diagnose bone loss, weakening of the bones, or osteoporosis. Bones weaken with age and increase the risk of fractures. If bone loss is detected, the doctor will prescribe certain medications and suggest important preventive measures, such as exercises and dietary changes, to improve the condition and prevent associated health issues.

14. Cardiovascular assessment

Cardiovascular conditions can be life-threatening, Therefore, in addition to routine blood pressure checks, senior citizens must opt for cardiovascular assessments for a complete examination of the heart and peripheral vascular system. Cardiovascular assessments include ECGs, lipid profile tests, stress tests, etc. These tests can help identify existing and potential issues early and alleviate the risk of associated health complications.

15. Colonoscopy and gastrointestinal health

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic test that helps identify diseases in the colon, including polyps, ulcers, and colorectal cancer.

Since gastrointestinal health declines with age, senior citizens must opt for gastrointestinal health tests as advised by the doctor. This test examines the organs in the gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach, oesophagus, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum. Routine GI tests can help identify issues with the GI tract early on and prevent associated complications.

Conclusion

Health check-ups are necessary for every individual. However, as you grow old it is important as your body starts losing its full functional capabilities and so you experience various diseases and frequent illnesses. Therefore, if you are over 60, talk to your doctor and opt for a full body check-up for senior citizens from time to time. These tests can identify conditions early on and decrease the risk of complications as well as long-term health issues.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the wellness corner.

Sources: ajhospital, Pharmeasy, Webmd

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

7 Must Do Exercises For Senior Citizens

10 Power Foods That Help Seniors Build Strong Muscles

Common Causes For Limited Mobility In Senior Citizens

Find Out Why Senior Citizen Health Insurance is Better than a Regular Health Plan

Senior Citizen Should Have Health Insurance. Know Why

Last Updated on August 06, 2024

Published on November 17, 2022