According to the National Council on Aging, about 95% of seniors have a chronic medical condition, and about 80% have two or more.
Catching potential issues early can stop them from decreasing senior's quality of life. Senior preventive healthcare can help older adults make the most of their golden years.
Here, we'll discuss:
Read on to understand the importance of routine screenings for seniors.
Routine screenings are important because there are so many varieties of check-ups. Seniors will need several screenings per year because of the many health issues they need to prevent.
Physical examinations are the most common type of health screening. This applies to people of all ages, but these exams are especially important for seniors.
As people age, they run a greater risk of physical health problems. An annual check-up lets a doctor look into:
The National Cancer Institute cites 66 as the median age for people's cancer diagnoses. Most cancer patients are 65+.
This means that older Americans should get cancer screenings every three to five years. This includes lung, prostate, and colon cancer screenings. Mammograms to look for breast cancer should happen every year or two.
Regular blood tests are important for seniors, too. These involve a simple blood draw. The sample goes to a lab where experts screen the blood for:
These should happen every three to five years.
Most people notice changes in their bodies over time. These changes may include decreased stamina while walking and running. They may include new spots on the skin or an unusual amount of gastrointestinal pain.
Regardless of what seniors notice, they're likely to develop questions about what's normal and what's not normal as they age.
Elderly medical screenings provide a specific time to ask any questions. Seniors can leave the doctor feeling more confident about their health.
This confidence decreases anxiety because the patient is well-informed about their health. They won't need to worry about innocuous issues anymore.
When seniors get routine health screenings, medical professionals look into how likely the patient is to develop conditions in the future. Experts:
This helps doctors determine whether you're at risk for inherited conditions like cancer. They also will discuss how your lifestyle contributes to health.
Screening also lets you know whether you have possible problems with your blood and bones that could lead to issues down the line.
When your doctor conducts screenings, they're more likely to find health problems early. These conditions may include things like:
Catching these issues before they become major interruptions to your life can do the following:
Most conditions are easiest to treat when a doctor finds them in their early stages, so it's a good idea to be vigilant about screenings.
Early detection of health problems means getting the opportunity for early intervention. This means:
In seniors, this is especially important because it's harder to get back on track. Their higher likelihood of multiple chronic conditions is just the tip of the iceberg.
Seniors also often struggle with physical limitations when it comes to treatment. They also frequently contend with cognitive decline, which makes communicating with medical professionals challenging.
Since these problems generally get worse over time, early intervention can lead to better treatment.
Luckily, a great Vineland, NJ, assisted living community can help! Experts there are happy to:
In addition to preventing complications with chronic health issues, routine screenings can help to mitigate the effects of existing problems.
Experts can offer holistic care and management strategies for chronic pain or illness. They can also provide medication when necessary.
This keeps seniors going as they age so they don't get bogged down by pain and stress, and it manages any health conditions a patient may have effectively. Even when there isn't a full-on cure, managing chronic illnesses can increase both longevity and livelihood.
Good treatment means that seniors can enjoy their hobbies and be part of a community. They won't need to worry about chronic pain weighing them down as much as they otherwise would.
Seeing a medical professional also lets patients get tips and tricks for improving their health. Doctors may give them:
Going to a check-up doesn't just mean a surface-level exam. It means getting information that can help older adults boost their physical and mental health in the long term.
Now that you know why routine screenings are a critical part of senior health, it's time to look for a comfortable community where your loved one can thrive.
At Baker Place Assisted Living, we're committed to offering all the services residents need to stay happy and healthy.
Our wellness programs work in tandem with regular seniors health check-ups to help seniors retain a high quality of life. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a tour of our community in Vineland, NJ!