15 important tests for the elderly
As you get older, the need for regular medical examinations increases.... In old age, you should pay more attention to your health than before and monitor the changes.
You will learn more about the tests that seniors need by reading the rest of this GCORP LLC article.
1... check blood pressure blood
According to the information of a reliable source, one out of every three elderly people has high blood pressure. This disease is known as high blood pressure. According to reliable information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 64% of men and 69% of women between the ages of 65 and 74 have higher than normal blood pressure.
Blood pressure is usually known as the "silent killer". In fact, the symptoms of the disease do not appear until it is too late. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. That is why it is necessary to check blood pressure at least once a year.
2.
If cholesterol and triglyceride levels are at appropriate levels, the risk of stroke or heart attack in the elderly decreases...
Learn more: What is FBS or Fasting Blood Sugar Test?
3.
Colonoscopy is a test during which the doctor examines the condition of the large intestine using a camera.. In this way, the presence of polyps is determined.. Polyps are created as a result of abnormal tissue growth...
After age 50, you should have a colonoscopy every 10 years...If a polyp is diagnosed or if there is a family history of colon cancer, this test should be done at shorter intervals.. Digital examination of the colon tissue detects the presence of any mass in the intestinal canal.
A digital colon exam examines only the lower part of the colon, while a colonoscopy examines the entire colon..
4... Vaccinations
Get a tetanus shot every 10 years.. According to a reliable source at the CDC, an annual flu shot is recommended, especially for people who are seriously ill.
At age 65, ask your doctor to give you the pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine protects you against pneumonia and other infections. The pneumococcal pathogen can cause a variety of physical problems, including:
- Pneumonia
- Sinusitis meningitis Endocarditis pericarditis
- inner ear infection
All people over the age of 60 should be vaccinated against shingles.
5.... test eye
The American Ophthalmological Association recommends that everyone have a series of basic screening tests at age 40.. Then the eye doctor will determine what other tests are needed..
See more: Best Eye Doctor
6... examination teeth
As you get older, physical health becomes more important... Many seniors take medications that negatively affect dental health... These medications include:
- Antihistamines
- Diuretic drugs
- Antidepressants
Dental disease, especially as seniors approach old age, can lead to the loss of natural teeth. The dentist will thoroughly examine the teeth during one of two annual scaling sessions. The dentist will take x-rays of the jaw and evaluate the condition of the mouth, teeth, gums, and throat for signs of disease.
See more: Best dentist doctor
7... Test Hearing
Hearing loss is one of the common problems of old age for the elderly.... In many cases, hearing loss is due to an ear infection or other physical problems... You should have an audiometric test every two or three years.
In the audiometric test, the hearing condition is evaluated for different sounds (with different intensities)... Hearing loss is treatable in most cases, while treatment options depend on the cause and severity of the damage.
See more: The best ear, nose and throat specialist
8... scan density bone
According to the report of the International Osteoporosis Foundation, 75 million people in Japan, America and the European continent are suffering from osteoporosis.... Both men and women are at risk of developing this disease, while the vulnerability of women is relatively higher, especially in old age.
In a bone densitometry scan, bone mass is measured.. Bone mass is a key indicator of bone strength/strength.... Regular bone scans are recommended for all older adults, especially women, starting at age 65.
See more: list of orthopedic doctors
9... Test Vitamin D
Many Americans are deficient in vitamin D... This vitamin helps protect bones.. In addition, this vitamin is helpful in protecting people against heart disease, diabetes and some cancers...
Elderly people should do this vitamin D test annually to prevent diabetes... In addition, with age, it becomes more difficult to produce vitamin D in old age.
10... screening hormone stimulation thyroid
Sometimes the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck and whose task is to regulate the body's metabolism, does not produce enough hormones.... In such a situation, a person looks lethargic, gains weight, and is bent over.... The inefficiency of the thyroid gland in hormone production causes erectile dysfunction in men.
See more: List of endocrinologists
A simple blood test leads to the determination of the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
11.... Test Skin
A skin exam is one of the most important aging tests....According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 5 million people in the US are treated for skin cancer each year....The best way to deal with skin cancer in older adults is early detection....Any new or suspicious skin lesions should be diagnosed early....
See more: List of Best Skin and Hair Doctors
12... test diabetes
According to data provided by the American Diabetes Association, in 2012, 29.1 million Americans had type 2 diabetes... All seniors and others over the age of 45 should be screened for this disease... This is done with a fasting blood glucose test or an A1C blood test.13... Mammography
Not all doctors agree on how often to do breast exams or mammograms, even for older people. Some believe that doing these tests every two years is the best possible situation.
The American Cancer Society is of the opinion that women between the ages of 45 and 54 should have an annual breast cancer examination and mammography screening. Women over the age of 55 should have the necessary tests every two years or every year.
If there is a family history of breast cancer in your family and your risk of developing this cancer is high, your doctor recommends that you do this test annually.
14... Test PapSmear
Many women over the age of 65 need regular Pap smear tests and pelvic examinations. Pap smear tests are useful for diagnosing cervical or vaginal cancer.
Pelvic examination will be useful to detect complications such as urinary incontinence or pelvic pain in old age....Women who have had their cervix surgically removed do not need to do a Pap smear test.
View more: List of women's subspecialties
15... Screening for prostate cancer
Digital examination of the colon or measurement of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the blood makes it possible to diagnose possible prostate cancer.
Currently, there are debates and conflicts about when to start, and the time interval between successive screenings... The American Cancer Society has recommended that doctors screen the elderly and patients over 50 years of age who are at moderate risk for prostate cancer.
In addition, people in the age range of 40 to 45 years who are at high risk are also invited to undergo prostate tests. People with a family history of prostate cancer or people whose first-degree relatives have died of the disease are also included in this category.
Final speech
You have read about various tests for seniors and geriatrics... If you are not sure how often to do each test, you can read this article... Also in this article we have written about the importance of physical examination and check-up... In this regard, if you need more guidance on geriatric testing or want to choose geriatric tests under the supervision of a GCO specialist doctor and as your favorite. GCORP LLC, contact your doctor.
Source: Healthline
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