Observing if our body changes and having regular health check-ups are important to detect diseases at an early stage.
Essential health check-ups for the elderly
As we age, our bodies deteriorate. Observing the changes in our bodies and getting regular checkups are important to detect diseases early and help maintain a good quality of life for a long time.
Vaccines and screening for the elderly
- Influenza
vaccine: People aged 60 and over are recommended to get an influenza vaccine every year. - Tetanus booster shot
It is recommended that everyone get a booster shot every 10 years. - Shingles vaccine:
People aged 60 and over should get the shingles vaccine. - Pneumococcal vaccine:
People aged 65 and older are recommended to get the pneumococcal vaccine to protect against pneumonia and other infections such as inner ear infections, sinusitis, meningitis, endocarditis, and pericarditis.
Blood pressure check
Older adults are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure as they age. This condition does not cause symptoms before complications arise, so people can have high blood pressure without realizing it for many years, hence it is known as the “silent killer.” 64% of men and 69% of women aged 65-74 have high blood pressure. โปรโมชั่นพิเศษจาก UFABET สมัครตอนนี้ รับโบนัสทันที Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of diseases such as stroke and heart disease, so it is important to have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.
Blood lipid level test
Blood tests to measure your cholesterol and triglyceride levels can help reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease. If your bad cholesterol levels are high, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, diet changes, or medication.
Diabetes screening
The prevalence of diabetes increases with age. Therefore, it is recommended to check fasting blood sugar level for 8 hours every year in people aged 35 years and above, especially in the elderly, or to check blood sugar level using HbA1C.
Hearing test
Hearing loss or hearing loss occurs with age, especially at high frequencies, so screening should be performed every 2-3 years.
Oral examination
Oral health problems common in the elderly are tooth loss, which is often caused by tooth decay, tooth root decay, or periodontitis. Along with changes that are common in the elderly, such as receding gums, dry mouth, less saliva, or reduced ability to care for themselves, the elderly are at higher risk of tooth loss. In addition, early signs of oral cancer and other diseases can be detected. Therefore, oral health screening in the elderly is recommended at least once a year.
Skin examination
Observe and see a doctor if you find new moles or moles that look unusual, including changes in skin color, lumps, or chronic wounds. You should get a diagnosis and treatment.
Thyroid function test
It is a blood test to check the functioning of the thyroid gland, which controls the body’s metabolism. If thyroid hormone is not produced enough, it can lead to health problems such as weight gain, feeling sluggish, body aches, or erectile dysfunction in men. Or in cases where thyroid hormone is found to be higher than normal levels, it can result in unintended weight loss, irregular heartbeat, easy sweating, heart palpitations, etc.
Bone density test
Women over the age of 65 or men over the age of 70 should have a bone density test to check their bone mass and strength. Osteoporosis can occur in both men and women, but postmenopausal women are at higher risk. Osteoporosis can lead to fractures from minor accidents, so awareness should be given.
Testing for vitamin D levels in the body
Low vitamin D levels are high. Vitamin D is important for regulating calcium levels in the body. Vitamin D deficiency worsens osteoporosis and increases the risk of fractures. Therefore, it is recommended to measure vitamin D levels in people at high risk of vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis patients. In addition, normal vitamin D levels also help strengthen the body’s immune system and help maintain muscle mass and strength, reducing the risk of falls in the elderly.
Breast cancer screening
Women aged 40-69 years who do not have any abnormal symptoms should perform regular breast self-examination, with a doctor or trained health care professional every year, and with mammography every 1-2 years.
Colorectal cancer screening
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in Thailand. Older age or having a family history of colon cancer are important risk factors. A colonoscopy is an examination of the entire colon to find any lesions that are suspicious for cancer. People aged 50 and older should have a colonoscopy every 10 years. If you have ever had precancerous polyps or if you have a close relative who has or has had colon and rectal cancer, you should start getting screened earlier and more often. Finding cancer in its early stages increases the chances of a complete cure.
Cervical cancer screening
Regular pelvic exams and Pap smears help screen for cervical cancer. It is recommended to have the exam every 3 years until age 65 if the results are normal for two consecutive years. If the results are normal for 10 years, the exam can be stopped. In addition, pelvic exams can help diagnose ovarian or uterine masses, as well as detect the cause and diagnose urinary incontinence, which is more common in the elderly.
Eye Disease Screening
People aged 40 and over should have an eye exam to check for vision changes that may occur due to aging and other eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration, which are major causes of vision loss.
Prostate cancer screening
In men over 50 years of age, or men over 40 years of age with a family history of prostate cancer, a digital rectal examination may be performed in conjunction with a blood test to check the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) level to screen for prostate cancer. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor before the test to discuss the benefits and risk factors for each patient.