As we get older, the risk of developing chronic health conditions increases. For this reason, making sure older adults and loved ones (65+) see a doctor at least once a year for a checkup can help catch health issues in the early stages. Dr. Angela Catic, a board-certified geriatrician at Baylor College of Medicine, shares what older adults need to be aware of when it comes to their health.
"I recommend older adults see their primary care clinician at least once a year, but they may require more frequent visits depending on their health status," Catic said. "Even if you are doing well, get with your physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner to get checked out."
She says that many clinicians cover the Medicaid Annual Wellness Visit Health Risk Assessment during annual checkups. It includes a variety of health screenings that should be done yearly, such as assessing physical function and cognitive screenings.
In addition, typically on an annual basis or every two years, providers should check a person's eyesight and hearing. They also need to be up to date on their yearly vaccines.
"It is especially important that older adults receive the annual flu vaccine. It can reduce the severity of the flu and the risk of hospitalization. I would also typically recommend the COVID vaccine, especially if there is an updated formulation," Catic said.
For cancer screenings, general recommendations for older adults include:
- Breast cancer through age 75.
- Lung cancer through age 80.
- Prostate cancer through age 69.
- Colorectal/colonoscopies through age 75.
However, it is important for older adults to discuss these and other screening recommendations with their healthcare providers as individuals vary widely in their health status and preferences. It is important that decisions about which health screening tests to pursue be individualized for each older adult.
For older adults to maintain good health, Catic says they need to remain mentally and physically active by engaging in activities that they enjoy, but this is not one size fits all. When older adults engage in activities they find meaningful, they are more likely to do them consistently. Ensuring older adults have social connection also is important to their overall well-being.
"People who have good, strong social connections are not as lonely. They are less likely to be depressed and anxious. Having a social support system is also important if they are ever in need of assistance, such as during a weather or health crisis," Catic said.
