How often should your health be checked by the doctor after the age of 70?
It’s a question many of us ask as we grow older.
If you are in your 70s or older, talk to your doctor about what tests you need, based on your current health and family history.
Generally, most healthy people in their 70s or older should have the following tests:
Annually:
· have an osteoporosis risk assessment,
· have a falls risk assessment,
· have a flu vaccination,
· have a dental check-up,
· have your hearing checked (over 65), and
· have an eye test.
Every two years:
· have a heart disease risk assessment (until age 75),
· have a blood pressure check,
· have a mammogram (females) (until age 75), and
· have a check for bowel cancer (until age 75).
Every three years:
· have a diabetes risk assessment.
Every five years:
· have your cholesterol and lipids tested
· have a cervical screening test (females) (until age 75)
· And at regular intervals, have skin cancer checks and a depression risk assessment
Before making any appointment, remember you can apply for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card when you have reached Pension Age.
