Healthy Aging: Screenings For Adults 45 and Older

Health screenings are increasingly important as we age, as they help detect diseases, chronic conditions and give us ideas on ways we can improve our health.

Screenings range from physical exams to blood tests to discussions with your provider about your family health history, but they can be extremely effective in preventing conditions like diabetes from happening and reducing your chances of succumbing to diseases like cancer.

The following are important screenings that support healthy aging you should start or continue receiving at age 45 and beyond:

Mammogram: Women should begin receiving breast cancer screenings in their 40s and repeat this screening every 1-2 years. However, depending on your family history and health background, your provider may suggest you begin regular breast cancer screenings at an earlier age.

Colonoscopy: Colon cancer screenings should begin for all adults at age 45 and be repeated at least every 10 years. Depending on your family history, health background and any symptoms you may be experiencing, your provider may suggest you begin screening earlier. In recent decades, the rate of colon cancer in younger adults has increased, making it especially important for you to get screened as soon as your provider determines is necessary.

Prostate Cancer Screening: Men should begin receiving a prostate cancer screening at the age of 50 and continue to receive their screenings every 1-2 years depending on your risk factor. Higher risk individuals may need to begin screenings as early as 40 years old.

Skin Exam: If you aren't already, 45 years old is a good time to begin conducting a full body screening to look out for suspicious moles or lesions every year. If you're able, you can scan yourself, but be sure to keep in mind the ABCDEs of skin cancer.

Lung Cancer Screening: If you are 50 years or older who has a history of smoking the equivalent of 20 cigarettes per day for 20 years should begin receiving a chest CT scan every year to monitor for lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. If you smoke or used to smoke, be sure to discuss with your primary care provider to determine if you should receive screening. To help you quit smoking, learn how our smoking cessation programs use counseling, medication management, diet and exercise to help you quit.

In addition to the above screenings, adults should continue to screen their blood pressure and cholesterol on a regular basis. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

The CDC has also developed activity recommendations for when you reach 65 years old in order to maintain your muscle strength, balance and aerobic abilities.

These recommendations include:

• 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercises per week (30 minutes a day, 5 days a week)
• At least 2 days of activity that focuses on muscle strengthening
• Activities throughout the week that focus on balance like dancing, yoga or riding your bike

Healthy aging is an important goal you should focus on as they get older to maintain your wellness and ensure they can enjoy the lifestyle you want.