By Brianna Siciliano
As we get older, we have one ultimate goal in mind: to stay healthy. Sometimes, we don’t always know what we need to do to stay healthy. Sure, we watch what we eat and exercise as often as we can, but is that enough? Not at all! Once the age of 60 is reached, or surpassed, there are multiple tests that are recommended to keep seniors happy, healthy, and safe. These tests can be done, or ordered, whenever you visit your regular doctor. Your doctor may even recommend additional tests for you based on your personal health profile. So what tests should you look into taking, if you have not already done so? See if any of the tests below catch your eye!
A major health issue with seniors has to do with blood pressure. You might one of the millions of Americans who have high blood pressure and do not even know it! It is very important to get your blood pressure regularly checked by health care providers to make sure that your blood pressure is normal so that your heart, arteries, brain, eyes, and kidneys stay healthy and safe.
If you want to avoid having heart attacks or strokes, it would be a good idea to get a cholesterol screening. High cholesterol levels are a major reason as to why seniors have heart attacks or strokes. The good news, though, is that high cholesterol can be treated by medications and a set diet. Measuring your levels of total cholesterol, HDL “good” cholesterol, and LDL “bad” cholesterol, is very important to do regularly.
Are you a woman who is afraid of having osteoporosis? Make sure to protect your bones! Osteoporosis is not a force to be reckoned with. People with osteoporosis who suffer from fracture, especially if the fracture is in the hip, significantly increase their risks of permanent disability, or even death. All women should have a bone density test at the age of 65, unless a woman is at a higher risk. In that case, the screening test should be completed at the age of 60.
Have you been visiting the eye doctor at least once a year since you turned 60? Well, you should be! Eye diseases like macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma are common diseases to be diagnosed with as we get older. Our eyes should be checked every two years until the age of 60, and then once a year after that milestone. Having your eyes screened can maximize and preserve your vision.
It is always a great idea to ask your doctor about different screenings and exams, like prostate cancer screenings, pelvic exams, or breast exams and mammograms. It’s better to be safe than sorry, right? If you have any health concerns or questions, do not hesitate to ask your doctor. You deserve to feel great as the independent, important, and healthy person that you are!