Although it's true that the risk of medical issues increases with age, that doesn't mean that we can't continue to be healthy in our 70s, our 80s, and beyond. Still, it's difficult to deny that the average 75 year old is more likely to be juggling several simultaneous medical conditions than the average 25 year old.
Helping older individuals deal with common age-related medical conditions is the role of the geriatric physician. These are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease and disability in older people. Geriatric physicians have received specialized training in the aging process and are thus well-placed to provide comprehensive health care to aging individuals.
Geriatric physicians and others who specialize in the care of older adults have some specific health care recommendations for people in their 70s and older.
- Get a blood pressure screening every 2 years, or more often if your doctor deems it necessary.
- Get a bone mineral density test to screen for osteoporosis, a common condition in seniors.
- Get a cholesterol screening every 5 years, or more often if your doctor recommends it.
- After age 50, get a colonoscopy as often as your doctor considers necessary.
- Get a regular dental exam every 6 months to 1 year.
- Get a diabetes screening every 3 years, or more often if your doctor suggests it.
- Get a routine eye exam every 1 to 2 years or as often as your ophthalmologist recommends.
- Have a hearing test performed annually, or more often if you suffer from age-related hearing loss.
- Keep up with your immunizations, including vaccines for the flu, pneumonia, tetanus, and shingles.
- Get a thyroid test as often as your doctor deems necessary.
- Women, get a mammogram, a pap smear, and a pelvic exam as often as your doctor recommends.
- Men, get a prostate screening as recommended by your doctor.
In addition to all of these doctor-recommended tests and procedures, it's also essential that you maintain proper nutrition and take any necessary vitamins and supplements. The Medical Maven can help with all of your supplementary health care needs. With The Medical Maven, all of the health care products you need are just a mouse click away.
