Regular health screenings are one of the most effective ways older adults can protect their long-term health. Many conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers, may not cause noticeable symptoms in their earliest stages. By staying up to date on preventive care, patients and their primary care providers can identify potential concerns earlier, when treatment may be simpler and outcomes may be better.
When it comes to health care, early treatment—or better yet, preventive treatment—is always the best medicine. For older adults, senior health screenings are crucial to identify early signs of cancer, cardiovascular disease and other conditions when they are in their most treatable stages.
“We have made tremendous progress in the development of screening tests and effective early treatment for many conditions,” says Brian Stone, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Torrance Memorial Physician Network. “If we can use screenings to catch health problems early, before they become severe, we can often offer patients an easier course of treatment or more treatment options, which results in better outcomes and quality of life.”
Dr. Stone says some health conditions don’t cause noticeable symptoms. Without screening, many patients may not be aware they have a problem until it causes extensive damage.
“Without screening tests, you could feel healthy and still be living with high blood sugar or cholesterol for decades. This exposure over time could lead to irreversible organ damage and serious problems such as kidney failure or a heart attack,” he says. “Routine screenings allow us to start treatment early, so we can prevent damage from happening in the first place and reduce the risk of disability or death.”
The Right Test at the Right Time
Although most older adults recognize the benefits of screening, confusion about which screenings to have and when can lead them to miss necessary tests. In other cases, fear of an unfavorable test result could cause some to postpone screening.
But according to Dr. Stone, being proactive about your health through routine screenings is an investment that pays dividends well into older age.
“Routine screenings put you in the best possible position to manage your long-term health and reduce associated risks,” says Dr. Stone. “During your annual physical, your primary care provider can work with you to reinforce the importance of screenings, address any concerns and help you stay on track with your health.”
Recommended Screenings By Age
Your primary care provider can help you determine which screenings are right for you and when you should have them. Screenings for older adults may include:
· Annual physical — Starting by age 50, an annual physical should include checking cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose, heart rhythm and blood counts.
· Abdominal aortic aneurysm — One-time ultrasound screenings are recommended for men ages 65 to 75 who are current or former smokers.
· Bone density — DEXA scans are recommended for women at age 65 and men at age 70 to look for signs of osteoporosis.
· Cognitive and mental health — Performed during annual physical exams to look for signs of dementia, anxiety, depression and other concerns.
· Colorectal cancer — Colonoscopies are recommended starting at age 45 or earlier if there is a family history.
· Gynecologic cancer — Pap tests are recommended every five years for women up to age 65.
· Lung cancer — Low-dose lung CT scans are recommended for current and former smokers ages 50 to 80.
· Mammogram — Breast cancer screening is recommended every one to two years for women up to age 74.
· Prostate cancer — A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test may be recommended for men at age 50, depending on risk factors.
· Vision and hearing — Eye exams are recommended every one to two years, and hearing screenings are recommended based on symptoms.
Brian Stone, MD is a board-certified family medicine physician dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient centered care for individuals and families.
Originally from the South Bay area, he prioritizes long-term relationships with his patients and emphasizes a collaborative, personalized approach to their care. He earned his B.S. from the University of Michigan and his medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine.
He completed his residency training at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, Calif., where he gained broad clinical experience in both urban and rural healthcare settings. Outside of medicine, Dr. Stone enjoys computer science, rock climbing, and playing the piano.
Dr. Stone practices at Torrance Memorial Physician Network Palos Verdes, 602 Deep Valley Dr., Suite 300, Rolling Hills Estates. He can be reached at 310-517-4692 or schedule an appointment online.
