Screenings for Seniors:  Ensuring Continued Health in the Later Years

Screenings for Seniors:  Ensuring Continued Health in the Later Years
By Robert Rice, MSN, RN, PMH-BC, CNE

We know we need to see our healthcare providers more as we get older, but seniors are sometimes unaware of exactly how often they should have a physical exam, receive important vaccines, or get tests for different health conditions.  These are the current recommendations for older adults who are in good health.

Screenings for All Seniors

Physical Exam – Adults over age 40 should have a physical exam each year.  Early detection of health problems can make them easier to treat.

During this visit, your doctor should do an unclothed skin exam to look for skin changes that could be a sign of skin cancer.  Between visits, you should check your own skin each month.  It is important to note any changes in moles, as these could show melanoma.

Older adults should have an eye exam with glaucoma test every 1 to 2 years.

Dental Exam – Seniors should see their dentist every 6 months.  This exam should include a screening for oral cancer.

Colon Cancer Testing – Beginning at age 45 you should have a fecal occult blood test every year.  Adults 45 and older need a colonoscopy every 10 years.

Screenings for Women

Breast Cancer Screening – Women should check their breasts each month and report any changes to their doctor.  At age 55 women should have a mammogram every 2 years if they have had no earlier breast cancer.  Older women should continue to get mammograms until age 75.  These recommendations are for women with average risk of breast cancer.

Bone Density Testing – Women with risk factors for osteoporosis should have bone density testing starting before age 65.  Women without risk factors can wait until after 65.

Screenings for Men

Prostate Exam – At age 50, men should have a discussion with their doctor about the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.  This test can tell if a man has prostate enlargement or prostate cancer, but it requires interpretation by the doctor.  The healthcare provider will do a yearly digital rectal exam (DRE) to feel for enlargement or changes to the prostate.

Vaccinations

Tetanus – You should get a tetanus booster shot every 10 years.

Influenza – Older adults should receive a flu shot every year.

Pneumonia – Seniors typically get 2 types of pneumonia vaccine for more complete protection.  PCV13 is the first vaccine.  It covers the 13 most common strains of pneumonia.  In addition, older adults should receive the PPSV23 vaccine that covers an added 23 strains.

Shingles – Older adults can receive 2 doses of either the ZVL or RZV zoster vaccine.  Shingles is a painful version of the chickenpox virus.  These vaccines can prevent shingles from occurring.

COVID-19 – COVID-19 is extremely dangerous for older adults.  Seniors should follow the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination and boosters.

Conclusion

This article is meant for general health education only.  Please speak with your doctor if you have individual health concerns.  These recommendations are for older adults in generally good health.  Seniors with risk factors for poor health need to see their doctor and have these screenings more often.  Only you and your healthcare provider know exactly what your health requires.  It is important to have regular conversations with your healthcare provider.