Essential Health Screenings for Senior Women and Men

About Nicole Pajer

Nicole Pajer is a Los Angeles-based freelance published in The New York Times, Woman's Day, AARP, Parade, Wired, Glamour, People and more.

You can manage many aspects of preventive health at home—like eating a balanced diet, staying physically active and limiting the amount of alcohol that you drink. But being proactive about your health also means keeping up with routine screenings. From eye exams and hearing tests to cancer checks and bone density scans, here are 9 essential health exams doctors recommend for seniors.

Mammograms

A woman’s risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, with most cases being diagnosed in those over 50. Regular screening via a mammogram can help rule out breast cancer or catch it early when it’s in more treatable stages. This can help ensure access to better treatments and improve survival rates. The latest guidelines suggest that women 40 to 74 get a mammogram at least every other year. Ask your doctor for recommendations on how often to go based on your individual health history.

Prostate Cancer Screenings

Men can check for prostate cancer through a variety of methods, the most common being a prostate specific antigen test (PSA). The current guidelines suggest that men 55 to 69 check with their doctors for guidance on how often to get this done. Men 70 and older are not recommended to have regular PSA checks unless their doctors tell them otherwise.

Colorectal Screening

Nearly 70% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people over 65, and 40% in those over 70. Screening can be done through a stool sample analysis or an in-person exam such as a colonoscopy. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk have regular screenings from age 45 to 75. Testing frequency depends on the type of test you take and your health history, so check in with your doctor for exact guidance on timing. People 76 to 85 should get screened based on their personal preference and factors like family history. And regular colorectal screening is not recommended for the 85 and up demographic.

Skin Cancer Screenings

1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70. Most skin cancer is treatable if caught early but types like melanoma can be deadly if diagnosed too late. The American Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone see a dermatologist on an annual basis for a full body mole check. Those at higher risk may need to go more often. You can also keep an eye on moles and spots on your skin at home and use the following ABCD assessment tool to catch anything suspicious:

A: Asymmetry: Check for moles where one half doesn’t match the other half.

B: Border: Moles with irregular borders can be higher risk.

C: Color: Pay attention to moles that have uneven colors.

D: Diameter: A change in size of a mole can be cause for concern. Most melanomas are about ¼ inches wide (about the size of a pencil eraser).

Bone Density Test (DEXA Scan)

“Our bones naturally lose density as we age, especially for women after menopause,” says Dr. Taher Saifullah, founder of Spine & Pain Institute in Los Angeles, California. “A bone density scan can tell if your bones are thinning or at risk of fractures—something I treat all too often in the spine.” Catching this early can enable doctors to help you mitigate risks such as falls and fractures and start strengthening your bones before a break happens. Most people should have one at age 65 – ask your doctor – and then how often you’ll need to follow up depends on your individual health history.

Basic Health Checkups and Screenings: Blood Pressure, Cholesterol & Diabetes

It’s a good idea to check in with your doctor on an annual basis to have your basic health checkups performed. Your general practitioner can perform the following, which are recommended for seniors:

Blood pressure checks: The National Institute of Health recommends having this done at least once per year. This can help your doctor to catch and treat high blood pressure if necessary and to monitor if treatments are effective.
Cholesterol checks: The Centers for Disease Control recommends that most healthy adults have their cholesterol levels checked every 4 to 6 years.
Diabetes tests: The U.S. Preventative Service Task Force currently recommends adults ages 35 to 70 get screened if they are obese or deemed high risk.

Eye Exams

Eye exams aren’t just for adjusting your contact lens or glasses prescriptions. Your ophthalmologist can screen for a variety of eye conditions and diseases such as glaucoma or macular degeneration – some of which don’t always have noticeable symptoms until they progress to later stages. An eye doctor can also check for cataracts, which can be removed surgically, and can help to address conditions like dry eye disease.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that seniors ages 65 and up get an eye exam at least every other year.

Hearing Tests

As we get older, some degree of age-related hearing loss (also referred to as presbycusis) is normal. 1 in 3 people over age 60 have some degree of hearing loss. And this ratio grows to 1 in 2 after the age of 85. If you notice yourself having difficulty hearing, schedule an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing test. And some organizations recommend regular screenings start at age 50 (ask your audiologist how frequently you should have this done). There are treatments available like hearing aids that can help make things more clear. There is research that treating hearing loss can help to prevent some forms of cognitive decline.

A Dental Exam

According to data released from the American Dental Association in 2022, 32% of seniors 65 or older hadn’t seen a dentist in the past year. “This matters because more than half of older adults are dealing with periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss and severe complications if left untreated,” says Dr. Mark Andrawis, lead prosthodontist at ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers. “A lack of regular dental checkups can silently progress into advanced gum disease, hidden decay, difficulty eating and even the inability to smile or speak confidently — all of which contribute to social isolation and diminished quality of life.” If you haven’t seen your dentist in a while, make an appointment. They’ll advise on how often you should come in for cleanings and if any other dental work needs to be performed.

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