Which Health Screenings Do Older Men Need?
June is Men’s Health Month, dedicated to educating people about health problems that can be prevented. It is also aimed at early detection and treatment of conditions. If you’re a family caregiver to an older adult man, you are probably aware that having certain health screenings are important. However, you may be uncertain of just what the senior needs. Below are some medical tests and screenings recommended for older men.
Regular Checkup
The first line of defense against illness is regular checkups from their doctor. Seniors should see their doctors at least annually for a complete exam. They may need to go in more often if they have a health condition. A physical exam should include a check of height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). The doctor will also ask questions about their lifestyle, such as using a seatbelt, diet, and exercise.
Blood Pressure Check
It’s possible to have high blood pressure without knowing it because the condition usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. Blood pressure should be checked by a doctor at least once per year. If it is high, it should be checked more often. In addition, having certain risk factors may require it to be monitored more frequently.
Cholesterol Test
Cholesterol levels should be checked at least every 5 years. However, it should be checked more often if the older adult has any of the following conditions:
- High cholesterol.
- Diabetes.
- Heart disease.
- Kidney problems.
- Lung Cancer Screening
Seniors aged 55 to 80 need an annual screening for lung cancer under certain circumstances. If the senior is a current smoker or quit within the past 15 years and if they have a 30-pack year history of smoking, they should be screened.
Prostate Cancer
The second most common kind of cancer in men is prostate cancer. Most of the time, it is a slow-growing kind of cancer. However, occasionally it is more aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body. Screening can detect prostate cancer early and allow for more successful treatment. However, there is some debate as to when and if men should be screened, so talk to the older adult’s doctor about whether screening is right for him.
If your aging relative is due for some health screenings, an elderly care provider can help them to set up an appointment with their doctor. An elderly care provider can also drive them to the appointment and back home afterward. In addition, elderly care providers can escort the senior into the building, ensuring they do not fall or have difficulty managing a heavy door.
Sources
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007466.htm
https://www.webmd.com/men/ss/slideshow-screening-tests-men
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/guide/milestone-medical-tests-60-up#1
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