Regular Health Checks Help Keep an Eye on Your Health
When it comes to your health, small steps can make a big difference. One of the most important things you can do as you age is keep up with regular health check-ups.
These simple screenings help catch problems early, before they turn into something more serious. Many of these issues don’t cause symptoms at first, which means you may not know anything is wrong until it’s too late. That’s why check-ups are so important. They give you and your doctor a clearer picture of what’s going on inside your body.
Here are some key health checks every senior should know about and why they matter.
Blood Pressure Check
What It Is: A quick test that measures the pressure of your blood against your artery walls.
Why It Matters: High blood pressure (also called hypertension) doesn’t typically cause symptoms, but over time, it can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, or vision problems.
What to Expect: Your doctor or pharmacist wraps a cuff around your arm and inflates it. The reading takes just a minute or two.
How Often to Check: At least once a year, but more often if your readings are high or borderline.
What’s Normal: A healthy blood pressure is usually under 120/80. If it’s above 130/80, your doctor may talk to you about steps to lower it.
Cholesterol Screening
What It Is: A blood test that checks levels of fat in your blood, including LDL (“bad” cholesterol), HDL (“good” cholesterol), and triglycerides.
Why It Matters: Too much LDL cholesterol can clog your arteries and raise your risk for heart attack or stroke. High cholesterol often has no symptoms.
What to Expect: A simple blood draw, usually after fasting (not eating) for 8-12 hours.
How Often to Check: At least every 4-6 years, or more often if you’re at higher risk for heart disease.
What’s Normal: Your doctor will look at your full cholesterol profile and talk with you about your personal goals, especially if you have other conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Blood Sugar (Diabetes) Screening
What It Is: A blood test that measures how well your body processes sugar. There are different types, like fasting blood sugar or A1C tests.
Why It Matters: Diabetes and prediabetes are very common in older adults. Left untreated, they can lead to serious problems like nerve damage, vision loss, or kidney disease.
What to Expect: A small blood sample, either after fasting or anytime (for the A1C test, which shows your average blood sugar over the last 3 months).
How Often to Check: Every 3 years if your results are normal. More often if you have risk factors or past high readings.
What’s Normal: Fasting blood sugar under 100, or A1C under 5.7%.
Weight and BMI
What It Is: Your doctor checks your weight and calculates your Body Mass Index (BMI), which estimates body fat.
Why It Matters: Changes in weight—especially sudden loss or gain—can signal health issues. Being overweight increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. Being underweight can lead to frailty or weaker bones.
What to Expect: A basic weigh-in during your visit.
How Often to Check: At every routine doctor’s appointment.
What’s Normal: For older adults, it’s less about hitting a perfect number and more about steady, healthy weight and muscle mass.
Vision and Hearing Checks
What It Is: Exams to detect changes in sight or hearing.
Why It Matters: Hearing and vision loss can increase your risk of falls, isolation, or even cognitive decline. They often happen slowly, so regular checks help catch issues early.
What to Expect: Your primary care doctor may do a simple screening or refer you to a specialist.
How Often to Check: At least every 1-2 years, or sooner if you notice changes.
Staying on Schedule
You can bring up these screenings during your Medicare Wellness Visit or annual physical. Most are covered by Medicare, and your doctor can help schedule any follow-ups.
Keeping a health journal or using a calendar can help you track your numbers over time. This makes it easier to spot trends and bring up questions at your next appointment.
Small Checks, Big Impact
It’s easy to put off routine tests—especially if you feel fine. But remember: most serious health conditions start quietly. Regular check-ups help find and treat them early—when care is most effective and recovery is often easier.
These simple tests can save your life. Talk to your doctor about what’s due, what’s optional, and what’s right for your body and your goals.
Your health is worth checking in on. And you don’t have to do it alone.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic: https://communityhealth.mayoclinic.org/prevention-and-wellness/adult
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/
American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure