Essential Health Screenings for Your 60s: Key Tests to Stay Ahead

If you're in your 50s or 60s, you are not alone! In the United States, approximately 10,000 people turn 65 every day. That's right, every day! This number will continue to grow, eventually accounting for more than 20% of the population by 2050.

In Canada, the population of older adults is similarly growing, with more than 7.5 million people aged 65 or older, and this segment continues to expand as more people reach retirement age.

As you've gotten older, you might have noticed a few changes in your body and health. Perhaps there are more lines and wrinkles on your face, higher blood pressure or cholesterol levels, and a few more aches and pains than you experienced in your younger years.

A significant number of people in their 50s and 60s are avoiding seeing the doctor. For example, nearly 44% of Americans reported skipping doctor visits due to costs, according to a survey by West Health and NORC​.

However, many experts suggest that a significant portion of people avoid going to the doctor either because they don't believe it's necessary or due to fear. A survey by the Cleveland Clinic revealed that 65% of men avoid seeing a doctor as long as possible, and 37% admit withholding information from their doctors due to fear of bad news​.

Similarly, women often skip appointments due to anxiety about potential diagnoses, which further emphasizes the psychological barriers to regular healthcare visits. Overcoming these fears is crucial for early detection and prevention of serious health issues.

Avoiding regular check-ups can have serious long-term consequences, especially as we age and become more vulnerable to chronic health conditions. Be sure to visit your doctor for regular check-ups and lab work at least once a year, even if you feel fine. Routine physicals are crucial to maintaining good health, as certain changes in your body, such as elevated cholesterol or blood pressure, may occur without any noticeable symptoms until it's too late.

If you've been avoiding the doctor, don't delay—being proactive with your health, including scheduling routine doctor visits, is crucial in preventing minor issues from becoming major health concerns. Encourage any friends or loved ones skipping their check-ups to prioritize their health, too.

In Your 60s? Get with the Program

As you enter your 60s, focusing on your health through regular screenings is absolutely necessary. Early detection can prevent minor medical issues from becoming serious conditions, helping you maintain a better quality of life.

In your 60s, the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers increases significantly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 80% of adults aged 65 and older have at least one chronic condition​.

Regular health screenings can detect issues early, allowing for timely treatment and better management of these conditions. Proactive testing gives your doctor the information to help you make informed decisions about your lifestyle and any necessary treatment options.

Doctors can also provide comfort and reassure anxious patients to help them make informed decisions about their lifestyle and treatment options.

Here's a look at some of the essential tests if you or a loved one is in their 60s and why they matter.

Cardiovascular Health: Keeping Your Heart Strong

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death for people over 60. Regular screenings are crucial to keeping your heart healthy. Important tests include:

1. Blood Pressure Monitoring: High blood pressure, often called the "silent killer," can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. Regular monitoring allows for early management.
2. Cholesterol Tests: A lipid profile test measures cholesterol and triglycerides, helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
3. Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records the heart's electrical activity, helping detect irregular heart rhythms and other heart-related issues early on.

Cancer Screenings: Early Detection Saves Lives

Cancer risk increases with age, making regular screenings in your 60s essential. Common cancer screenings include:

1. Colonoscopy: Starting at age 50, it is recommended to have a colonoscopy every 10 years to detect colorectal cancer early. For those at higher risk, more frequent testing may be required.
2. Mammograms for Women: Women should continue regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer, a leading cause of cancer in older women.
3. Prostate Cancer Screening for Men: Discuss with your doctor whether prostate cancer screening, including the PSA test, is right for you, as opinions on screening frequency vary.
4. Skin Cancer Screening: Regular skin checks by a dermatologist are important in your 60s, as the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, increases with age. Individuals should also perform self-examinations to monitor for any new or changing moles or skin lesions.
5. Lung Cancer Screening: For those with a history of smoking, annual low-dose CT scans may be recommended to screen for lung cancer. The American Cancer Society suggests this for individuals aged 55-74 with a significant smoking history.

Bone Health: Preventing Osteoporosis

As you age, bone density naturally decreases, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. A Bone Density Test (DEXA scan) is recommended to assess bone health. Early detection of bone thinning can lead to preventive actions, such as calcium and vitamin D supplements, weight-bearing exercises, or medications to help maintain bone strength.

Screenings Specific to Men

In addition to prostate cancer screenings, men in their 60s should consider an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening, particularly if they have a history of smoking. This ultrasound can detect a potentially life-threatening condition before it becomes critical.

Screenings Specific to Women

For women, it's essential to continue mammograms and bone density testing, but also consider:

• Pap Smear and HPV Testing: Though the risk of cervical cancer decreases with age, regular screenings are recommended until at least 65 to ensure ongoing health.

Understanding the Changes in Your Body and Health in Your 60s

As you progress through your 60s, it's important to recognize the physical and cognitive changes that naturally occur with age. In addition to the recommended health screenings, you may notice shifts in your muscle mass, bone density, and metabolism, which impact your strength, balance, and flexibility. Regular exercise, particularly strength training, can help slow down muscle loss and maintain bone health, reducing the risk of falls and fractures.

Cardiovascular changes, such as stiffer arteries and higher cholesterol, may also require closer attention. Keeping up with heart-healthy habits, like a balanced diet and regular check-ups, is key to managing these risks.

Additionally, cognitive changes can become more noticeable, with some experiencing mild forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating. However, memory loss is not a natural part of aging, and if you notice a significant decline in your memory, be sure to speak with your doctor.

Engaging in mental exercises like puzzles, reading, and learning new skills can help preserve brain function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Being Proactive with Health and Planning

By staying proactive and addressing these changes in your health, body, and mind early, you can better navigate your 60s with a focus on maintaining health and quality of life. Regular screenings, a healthy lifestyle, and a commitment to physical and mental well-being can help you age gracefully and comfortably.

Aging naturally increases the likelihood of needing help with daily living activities, especially as you move into your 70s and beyond. This growing need for long-term care services is a common part of the aging process, but it's important to remember that these services are not covered by health insurance or Medicare.

Medicare only covers short-term skilled care, such as recovery after surgery or a hospital stay, but it doesn't pay for long-term care, like assistance with dressing, bathing, toileting, personal hygiene, or dressing, for example. What this means is unless you have Long-Term Care Insurance or qualify for Medicaid due to limited financial resources, you must cover those costs out of pocket, or your adult children may end up as caregivers, both of which can be stressful and financially challenging.

Planning now with tools like Long-Term Care Insurance can help safeguard your family and finances. While LTC Insurance is often purchased before you get to your 60s, if you still enjoy reasonably good health, you can find affordable options, although speak with an LTC Insurance specialist to find the best plans.

Who would have thought that entering your 60s would bring so many things to think about? With many years still ahead, it's essential to prioritize a high quality of life by being proactive with your health and planning for the future.

Taking charge of your well-being now—through regular screenings, healthy lifestyle choices, and planning for potential long-term care needs—can help ensure you enjoy these years to the fullest.