Helpful information about common screenings and vaccinations your doctor may suggest.
When visiting your doctor, he or she may recommend certain screenings and vaccines aimed to help you prevent disease and stay healthy at any stage of life. To learn what you might expect from each of these common types of screenings, check out the helpful summary below. You can even download and print this preventive care guide for seniors to refer to later. Of course, if you have any questions about your doctor’s recommendations, talk with him or her directly to get the full details.
Blood Pressure Screening
What it is: An easy and fast reading that measures
the pressure in your arteries as the blood pumps
Frequency: Once a year, or more often if needed
How it’s done: Inflatable cuff
Cholesterol Screening
What it is: A preventive care screening that measures HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides
Frequency: Every 4-6 years, or more often if needed
How it’s done: Blood test after fasting
Diabetes Screening
What it is: An important screening to detect or rule out an accumulation of glucose in your blood that could lead to type 2 diabetes
Frequency: Every three years, more often if needed
How it’s done: Blood test
Eye Screening
What it is: An eye exam that checks your vision and looks for signs of any abnormalities in your eyes
Frequency: Annually, more often if needed
How it’s done: Series of tests using a variety of instruments
Hearing Screening
What it is: An initial visit includes a quick preventive care test performed by an audiologist that checks for hearing loss. Need to have your hearing checked? Use these tips to find the best audiologist for you.
Frequency: Annually, more often if needed
How it’s done: With or without headphones in a hearing lab, subsequent visits or screenings may include one or more of these 8 types of hearing tests
Influenza Vaccine
What it is: A vaccine that aims to protect you from the seasonal influenza virus (flu) by helping you build antibodies against infection
Frequency: Annually
How it’s done: Intramuscular injection
Pneumococcal Vaccines
What it is: A series of two vaccines for seniors that can help prevent pneumonia and other pneumococcal issues
Frequency: Usually a one-time vaccine series, however, some doctors may recommend a follow-up dose several years after the first one
How it’s done: Intramuscular or subcutaneous injection
Shingles Vaccine
What it is: A vaccine that can protect seniors from shingles, a painful rash caused by herpes zoster virus
Frequency: One-time dose after age 60
How it’s done: Subcutaneous injection
Breast Cancer Screening
What it is: A test that can detect tumors in the breast
Frequency: Every two years, depending on your risk for breast cancer
How it’s done: X-Ray mammography or breast MRI
Colorectal Cancer Screening
What it is: A preventive care procedure for seniors that detects any abnormalities in the lining of your colon
Frequency: Every 10 years, or more often if you have risk factors for colon cancer
How it’s done: Colonoscope
Osteoporosis Screening
What it is: A test that measures bone mass or bone density in women, a key indicator of osteoporosis
Frequency: Depends on your risk
How it’s done: Usually by x-ray
This preventive care guide for seniors can help you feel prepared for any screenings and vaccines that your doctor may suggest to help you feel your best. This is just a general summary for your convenience. For full details about your own personal care or whenever you have questions, speak directly with your doctor. To find more articles on senior health and living, visit our blog today.
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