Growing up doesn’t come with a handbook, and neither does aging. Navigating health and wellness during the golden years is essential. Here are some recommendations of medical tests that may be beneficial as one grows older. Talk to your physician to discover which ones are right for you.
The good news is…we are living longer!
The average life expectancy of a newborn in 1900 was 32 years old. By 2021, it had more than doubled to 71 years of age. This increase in life duration means that the population of elderly citizens is expanding. Science and medicine have come a long way to keep people healthier and living longer.
We’re growing older! Do we really need tests and screenings?
As longevity increases, older individuals are encouraged to undergo periodic health examinations, screenings, and tests for wellness. These medical assessments can identify health problems early to optimize treatment and promote healthy living.
These and other tests may be recommended for people age 60 and up:
- Annual physical examination – This yearly checkup is performed at a general practitioner’s office and addresses body health, preventative care, and current medical needs. Doctors will evaluate and monitor a patient’s overall health by checking vitals: temperature, weight, heart rate, blood pressure, and more. In addition to a physical examination, doctors may screen older patients for mental health issues, perform basic memory tests, review medications, and check that they are current on vaccinations such as pneumonia, shingles, and influenza. Patients may be referred to specialists for annual bloodwork or other pertinent tests.
- Annual eye examination – Here, doctors look at a patient’s health history and test eye health using various instruments. They typically ask patients to look through several lenses. Sometimes, they may dilate the eyes. As people grow older, they are at increased risk of age-associated vision changes and problems. Doctors typically check for eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (a retinal condition), cataracts (a lens condition), and Glaucoma (an optic nerve condition) and more. Since visual acuity can decrease with age, don’t skip this important appointment.
- Colorectal cancer screening – Per American Cancer Society, individuals at average risk of colorectal cancer should begin regular screening at age 45. Checks for colon cancer may involve fecal occult blood test (non-invasive test that checks for blood in the stool), sigmoidoscopy (examining the lower part of the colon), or colonoscopy (examining the entire colon). In healthy individuals, colonoscopy is typically performed every 10 years. People with polyps may require more frequent testing. Those in good health should continue standard screenings through age 75. Patients should talk to their doctors thereafter to discuss testing frequency. Screenings are not recommended for people age 85 and up.
- Mammogram (For women) – This X-ray image of the breast is widely regarded as a lifesaving tool for detecting most breast cancers early. Testing is typically prescribed yearly for healthy women beginning at age 40. However, doctors consider a patient’s medical history plus other factors to determine when to begin and frequency of testing. Most patients are over 50 when they receive a breast cancer diagnosis. Thus, regular breast examinations plus mammograms as needed are essential. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force currently recommends biennial screening mammography for healthy women 50 to 74. Regardless, speak to your healthcare provider to learn what’s right for you.
- Prostate examination (For men) – Starting at age 50, prostate exams (also known as digital rectal exams or DREs) are part of health checkups for most men. Examinations check the chestnut-shaped gland located near the bladder. Prostate exams help doctors diagnose enlarged prostates – plus act as screening tools for prostate cancer, the second-most cancer affecting men. A doctor may order a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen test (PSA) yearly or less often to help screen patients. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men ages 55 to 69 decide for themselves whether to undergo a PSA screening. Men over 70 should check with their doctor(s) regarding testing and examinations.
- Pelvic exam, pap smear, HPV test (For women) – Most people associate these examinations with younger women. Females age 60 and up may still require testing as routine healthcare. A pelvic examination checks for tumors, sexually transmitted infections, and other health conditions. Pap smears (testing for pre-cancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix) are recommended for most women every three years, and HPV testing (looking for high-risk HPV types associated with cancer) every five years up to age 65. Women who are over 65 should talk to their gynecologist to discuss frequency of testing. Note that some gynecologists specialize in urinary incontinence, a common problem in women over age 50.
- Diabetes mellitus – This group of metabolic disorders is characterized by sustained high blood sugar levels. The disease involves problems with the way the body makes or manages insulin. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in older people, thus those in the age-group should be monitored. Common blood tests for type 2 diabetes are the A1C test, the plasma glucose test, and the oral glucose tolerance test. The American Diabetes Association recommends initial screening for diabetes in adults 35 and older. Without risk factors, re-screening is typically every three years. In adults 60 and up, the frequency of testing may be adjusted based on individual circumstances, risk factors and overall health status.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (for some men) – This one-time screening is recommended for men ages 65 to 75 who have smoked. The non-invasive imaging test involves an ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The test checks for signs of an aneurysm, an abnormal bulge in the blood vessel wall that can lead to life-threatening rupture. This test is selectively given to men who have not smoked. While not everyone needs this test, it can be lifesaving so it’s important for men with risk factors. AAA in women is rare, so women are not regularly screened.
- Hearing test – Hearing tests are an essential part of healthcare. Per WebMD, “At least 25% of people ages 65 to 74 have disabling hearing loss, most of which is treatable.” Auditory examinations performed every one to three years are helpful in diagnosing hearing loss and diseases of the ear in older people. Patients will listen to a variety of tones at different intervals to determine their range of hearing. A pure tone test measures the quietest sound one can hear at different pitches. The whisper test can also help diagnose hearing problems. The results determine if corrective measures are required. A patient may be prescribed a hearing aid to amplify sound and improve hearing.
- Bone density test – The bone density test, also called dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA), is an important test used to diagnose osteoporosis. This bone disease occurs when bone tissue becomes thin and frail with time. Having osteoporosis can lead to bone fractures. Doctors may order a bone density test to measure the amount of calcium and minerals in a segment of bone and to check bone mass. The higher the bone mineral count, the denser the bone. Less dense bones are more likely to break. The bones that are most tested are the spine, hip, and forearm. Though osteoporosis is more common in older women, older men can also develop the condition. People over 60 should talk to their doctor about bone health, especially if they are over 65 or have had a fracture after age 50.
- Skin cancer exam – Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Healthy adults should talk to their doctors about being screened for skin cancer and regularly check their own skin for changes according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Seeing a dermatologist yearly may be a good idea for older people as it’s challenging to distinguish between harmless age spots and harmful skin cancer. Age spots, found on older people with fair skin or those who have spent time in the sun, are generally non-cancerous and don’t develop into cancer. Unlike age spots, precancerous or cancerous growths (some associated with sun exposure) are serious and require treatment. Note that skin cancer can be life-threatening if left undiagnosed and untreated, so a yearly visit to the dermatologist for a quick skin check is likely a no-brainer.
Medical tests at 60 and beyond
Growing older is an enriching experience, but one must maintain health to maximize the journey. When the benefits outweigh the risks, it’s wise to undergo screenings and testing recommended by medical experts. Remember that doctors act as our partners in health and wellness, and the earlier problems are detected, the sooner they can be treated.
Note: Health assessment recommendations are subject to change, so consult your doctor for the latest guidelines.
Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as a medical resource or substitute for professional advice. See your doctor to address your medical needs.
Shame on you for pushing some of these invasive, painful, and potentially dangerous tests. There are alternatives for things like mammograms and colonoscopies, so why aren’t you mentioning them?
As if I still trust the medical industry or the insurance for medical care – both are frauds.
The medical industry knows next to nothing about health – (The Covid “vaccine”) and all the insurance companies know or care about is PROFIT!
That’s all fine & dandy, but someone needs to share this information with Medicare and the Labs. I had a Doctor’s Order for a Blood Based Biomarker ColoRectal Screening test, with the appropriate Diagnosis code, met all the criteria “bullets” to have this test done, went to the LabCorp, the people there had never heard of it or done a test like that, they called “somebody” in the LabCorp offices who gave them a Procedure Code different of what the Doctor ordered. I didn’t know what procedure code was given, I was asked to sign an Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) in case Medicare denied the procedure. Well, to make a long story short, the Blood Based Biomarker Colorectal Screening test has been in effect since 2023. I had the lab draw done, got the Medicare denial back as not covered. In looking at the Medicare denial, it appears the LabCorp code was given by their own office, and used an incorrect Procedure Code in billing Medicare. The code submitted to Medicare was for “PANCREAS”, and not Colorectal Screening. Now I’m fighting to get LabCorp to fix their mistake, to resubmit to Medicare, dealing with Medicare appeals department. It’s a $171.00 charge that I shouldn’t have to pay. The ABN is basically used for when Medicare doesn’t want to pay if the provider of services bills incorrectly, in this case. And good luck dealing with Medicare and LabCorp, as my appeal is less than a drop in the bucket. They could care less!! When you sign that ABN, get a copy! When a Lab or other provider of services makes a written mark on the ORDER, get a copy of that! Keep copies for your records to fight/appeal, when those denials arrive.
In 2016, my father died from prostate cancer. In 2022, I was diagnosed with it. Per my oncologist, it is likely we had it at the same time, as PC is a slow growing cancer. There is much not reported in a short article, such as this and I will briefly add some pertinent information, below.
The urologist I first saw, and who diagnosed the cancer, wanted to remove my prostate. To me, that was unacceptable and lead me to do an extensive research project, which lead to writing an article for the purpose of helping others. To see the entire article, visit The Middletown Insider: PROSTATE CANCER – Like Father, Like Son, A Personal Story.
The chance of getting PC is 1 in 7.7. For unknown reasons, the rate for black men is even higher, more likely to develop at an earlier age and be more aggressive. This article suggests getting your PSA level checked starting at age 50; my recommendation is age 40 for non-black men and age 30 for black men.
Risk factors include a family history of prostate cancer; if your father had it, you are more likely to have it. With certain kinds of breast cancer, (BRCA1 or BRCA2) or a very strong family history of breast cancer, your risk of PC may be higher.
When detected early, PC is more readily treated by non-invasive means. If you are diagnosed with PC, (or any other serious condition), get multiple opinions from different specialist and do your own research before deciding on a course of treatment.
My article will help you get started. It contains 50 references in the bibliography, including from The Mayo Clinic, The Cleveland Clinic, The Prostate Cancer Foundation, Johns-Hopkins University and the National Cancer Institute.
And don’t forget seeing your dentist twice a year.
In addition to dental issues, they are trained to spot medical issues for further review by your Primary Care Physician.
Where did they get their life expectancy numbers? My grandparents lived to their 80s and 90s, and they only went to doctors when they were sick. They were all born in the late 1800s. While working in local senior housing, I met many who were from 90 to 104 years old. Many of them born in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Seems to me that their statistics don’t take in all of the population.
#3: Colorectal cancer screening: You failed to mention in your article, pages 35 & 36 of Medicare & You 2025 handbook, under “Preventive Service”, there is also listed Multi-target stool DNA and blood-based biomarker tests. The blood-based biomarker test has been around for not too many years, you have to meet all the conditions listed. There is a specific HCPCS Procedure code that needs to be used, G0327, and one of two Diagnosis codes, but not both at the same time, Z12.11 or Z12.12. Medicare handbook states “Multi-target stool DNA tests are at-home lab tests. Blood-based biomarker tests are conducted in a lab. You pay nothing for these tests if your doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts assignment.” BEWARE: The Lab I accessed for my recent Blood-based biomarker preventive colorectal screening test did not have a clue as to what to “code” this test, it was coded incorrectly even after a phone call was made to their Customer Service internal personnel. Therefore, it was coded and billed incorrectly. I’m now appealing and re-appealing to Medicare for payment. Oh, by the way, my husband had the same exact test, it was also coded and billed incorrectly, I appealed his, Medicare decision was in favor of my husband’s claim, with denial to Lab who had to write it off. Word of Advice: Question your Lab before having this test done that has been around for awhile now, if they have the codes and knowledge of what it is. When they start marking all over the Doctor’s ORDER, ask for a copy of that ORDER as the ORDER has the Procedure and Diagnosis on it, but no description of the service. They will more than likely ask you to sign an ABN (Advanced Beneficiary Notice), you choose your option. The one “Option” NOT showing is “Patient will NOT be held accountable for payment if claim is billed incorrectly by our staff/office.” How could a person/patient reasonably have known, behind the scenes, that a claim is being billed incorrectly?
Does anyone else have comments “Awaiting for Approval”?
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