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Most people hate going to the doctor. But these trips become more and more important as you age. Sure, you might exercise, eat well and look after yourself but if you’re only visiting your doctor’s office when you have the flu, you’re probably missing out on the benefits of preventative healthcare. Until such a time where our wearables will inform us of diseases long before we notice them, regular medical-ups and routine health screenings are the best way to catch problems before they get out of hand.
When it comes to preventative health screenings, many of us still find the process pretty daunting, notes Edwin Theron, CEO at digital insurance provider Sanlam Indie. “Often it’s because we’re afraid of what we might find out since we have less than adequate critical illness insurance, or we’re worried about what these medical tests cost,” says Theron. He says that early detection makes a disease more responsive to treatment, it stops an ailment from becoming a chronic condition and it helps contain infectious diseases. “We need to constantly remind ourselves that prevention is better than a cure and when we attend important medical check-ups, we better understand our bodies and set ourselves up for a healthier future.”
To help you take control of your health as you get older, here are the tests you should have done in your 40s, 50s and 60s.
Routine physical: It’s important to become familiar with your medical-related ‘numbers’ so that you can spot changes as early as possible. A basic physical should include a blood pressure test, cholesterol test and a glucose test to check for diabetes and pre-diabetes. The doctor will also check your heart rate and lungs; examine your eyes, ears, lymph nodes and abdomen to check for anything out of the ordinary.
You should get a physical every 2-3 years in your 40s and annually once you reach 50. For women, it’s a good idea to request a bone density test as part of your physical from the age of 50. It’s also a good idea to get your doctor to do a skin exam to check for any irregularities.
Dental exam: While oral healthcare should be a life-long commitment, it becomes more important in your 40s and 50s. It’s advised that you visit their dentist every six months to a year for dental cleanings and exams to ensure that you keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Vaccination update: People usually recover from the flu, pneumonia or shingles without any problems but having one of these infections later in life can cause serious health problems. There are certain booster vaccinations that medical professionals recommend you get to protect as you age. Chat to your doctor about the different options that might be available once you reach 40.
Gynaecological exam: Breast cancer and cervical cancer grow in prevalence as women reach their 40s and 50s. At this stage of your life, an annual gynaecological exam should include a manual breast exam to check the breasts for lumps, as well as a Pap smear and a screening test for cancer of the cervix. It’s advised that women book a mammogram every 1-2 years after 40.
Prostate exam: When men reach the age of 40, they should book a prostate screening session. This process will determine how frequently they need a prostate exam going forward. Most will only need to have the examination every 2 years.
Eye exam: Once you hit your 40s it’s a good idea to book an eye exam every 2 to 4 years. From 55 more frequent eye exams (every 1 – 3 years) are recommended. If you have problems with your vision, diabetes or a risk of glaucoma, an annual eye exam is essential.
Colonoscopy: Recent guidelines suggest screenings for colon cancer from the age of 45. With risks climbing based on genetic, physical and lifestyle factors, as well as racial and ethnic background, it’s important to schedule a colonoscopy every 10 years or more frequently if there is personal or family history of colon cancer.
Serious conditions often have very serious associated expenses (like the cost of a carer, treatment not covered by medical aid or the relevant adjustments to your lifestyle)and with the increased prevalence of these in younger clients it would also be wise in your younger years to consider dread disease cover in some form, to help pay for these costs if they should ever arise,” says Theron.
“When it comes to your health, ignorance most certainly is not bliss,” concludes Theron. “In fact, knowledge is power because the knowledge you gain from getting a proper health screening can help you live a healthier life. Just like investing money, the appointments you make today pay back in dividends when it comes to your long-term health.”