Why are preventive health screenings so important?
Staying on top of your health and wellness is important in every stage of life, especially as you get older. One way to take charge of your well-being is to get regular preventive health screenings. It can help your healthcare provider spot any health issues early on, when they’re usually easier to treat. By getting regular health screenings, you’re able to find out your risk for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or certain cancers.
Which health screenings do I need?
Your doctor knows your health best. So it’s important to talk to them about which health screenings you need. They can tell you which screenings may be right for you.
Curious about costs?
It depends on your health plan. Many Medicare plans offer preventive health screenings at low to no cost. They may be included in your plan. To find out, simply call the number on your health plan member ID card.
To learn more about screening guidelines for people 65 and older, check out the chart below.
Women
| Blood pressure screening | It’s recommended to have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.3 This is typically done at your annual checkup or physical. |
| Breast exam | If you’re between the ages of 65 and 74, you should continue to get mammograms every two years. Once you’re 75, you should talk with your healthcare provider about whether or not future breast exams are needed.¹ |
| Colorectal cancer screening | Colorectal cancer screenings are recommended for all adults aged 45 to 75 years.¹ You should continue to get regular colorectal screenings until the age of 75. At this point, you should talk with your healthcare provider to see if future screenings are needed.² |
| Dental exam | You should get a dental exam and cleaning once or twice every year. Your dentist will let you know if you need to go more often.³ |
| Diabetes screening | If you’re 65 or older and in good health, you should be screened every 3 years. If you’re overweight or have other risk factors, ask your healthcare provider if you should get screened more often.³ |
| Eye exam | You should get an eye exam every 1-2 years. If you have diabetes, it’s recommended to go at least once every year.³ |
| Fall risk assessment | The CDC recommends a yearly fall risk assessment for all people aged 65 and older.⁴ |
| Osteoporosis | All women over age 64 should have a bone density test (DEXA scan).³ |
| Pelvic exam or pap smear | If you’ve received three negative pap smears within the last ten years, you may stop getting pelvic exams and smears once you turn 65.¹ |
Men
| Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening |
It’s recommended to get a one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with ultrasonography. This is for men aged 65 to 75 years who have smoked.² |
| Blood pressure screening | It’s recommended to have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.³ This is typically done at your annual checkup or physical. |
| Colorectal cancer screening | Colorectal cancer screenings are recommended for all adults aged 45 to 75 years.¹ You should continue to receive regular colorectal exams until the age of 75, at which time you should talk with your healthcare provider to see if future screenings are needed.² |
| Dental exam | You should get a dental exam and cleaning once or twice every year. Your dentist will let you know if you need to go more often.³ |
| Eye exam | You should get an eye exam every 1-2 years. If you have diabetes, it’s recommended to go least once every year.³ |
| Diabetes screening | If you’re 65 or older and in good health, you should be screened every 3 years. If you’re overweight or have other risk factors, ask your healthcare provider if you should get screened more often.³ |
| Fall risk assessment | The CDC recommends a yearly fall risk assessment for all people aged 65 and older.⁴ |
Check you out
It’s important to get regular checkups and screenings, even if you don’t feel sick. For many conditions, you may not experience symptoms at first. When you see your doctor regularly, you can catch potential health issues early on. That way, you can get the treatment and care you need.
¹ https://www.publichealth.org/public-awareness/preventive-care-schedule/seniors/