Your body undergoes several changes as you age, and most of these may lead to certain health conditions. According to the World Health Organization, 25% of people over sixty have health conditions such as disabling hearing loss. While these are sometimes unavoidable, you can take certain measures to prioritize your health and improve early detection. That is why health screenings are vital as you get older. Here are a few tests worth considering.
Cardiovascular screening
An AHA medical journal reports that over 70% of senior citizens are susceptible to cardiovascular disease. As the body ages, the heart, which is a muscle, also changes in structure, and this may trigger certain cardiovascular conditions. With regular screening, however, many heart-related ailments can be detected early enough to avert harmful consequences. For instance, detecting hypertension and certain heart diseases in time can prevent imminent stroke. That is why key screenings are vital for optimal health in old age. They include cholesterol level screening, ECG or EKG, regular blood pressure readings, and so on. High blood pressure often goes unnoticed until it causes a fatality, dizziness, or stroke. The same applies to persistently high cholesterol levels, which contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, remember to get regular cardiovascular health screening to maintain optimal health in your senior years.
Sensory health
Your eyes, ears, and other sensory organs are worth checking as you get older. That is because vision problems are common in older adults since the retina, lens, and sometimes, the optic nerve get weaker. Any vision challenge can be corrected with timely interventions like medicated glasses, laser eye surgery, or others. You can say the same for your ear health and the role it plays in your overall quality of life as you hit your twilight years. Unfortunately, eye health is often given more priority over auditory health, but the latter is equally important. You should see an auditory health specialist to assess the quality of your hearing as you get older. Understanding your hearing specialists’ impact on management of your hearing health will make you more proactive in visiting them when necessary. You may be fitted with hearing aids to improve your hearing, communication, and quality of life. Booking an appointment does not mean your hearing is impaired; rather, it is a preventive measure to live healthier and happier.
Cancer screening
Cancers of the bladder, prostate, colon, breast, pancreas, and lungs are common among older adults. Although science has yet to establish specific reasons for this, research attributes the prevalence to aging vital organs. That is why colorectal and prostate screenings, for example, are recommended for people aged fifty and above. You have a higher chance of beating these cancers at the early stages when the affected cells haven’t spread to your bones or throughout the body. Your survival rate from certain cancers may depend on how proactive you are about your health screenings as you get older. Although health professionals say certain screenings are individualized because of risk factors, you’re better off staying on the side of caution.