Some people say 50 is the new 30. But it might be hard to feel that way if you’re not current on all your screening tests and immunizations. Many of us aren’t. For example, one in three people aged 50 to 75 aren’t on schedule with their colon cancer screenings. About 30% of people over age 65 don’t get an annual flu shot, and 2/3 opt out of the recommended shingles vaccine.
If you’ve hit the half-century mark, here are the tests and vaccines you need to stay in tip-top health:
Must-Get Vaccines
Shingles. The CDC recommends all healthy adults 50 and older get two doses of Shingrix, the newest shingles vaccine. You should get the shots 2 to 6 months apart. It’s much more effective than the older Zostavax. You should get Shingrix even if you’ve had Zostavaxor or if you can’t remember whether you have had the chickenpox. Most people have been exposed to the virus
Flu. Older adults should get the flu shot every year. A big majority of people who die or are hospitalized with the flu are seniors. If you’re over age 65, ask about the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine, which has four times more antigen than regular flu shots. Another vaccine called Fluad also may offer more protection to seniors.
Pneumococcal vaccine. Being older makes you more likely to get pneumonia, blood infections, or meningitis from the pneumococcal bacteria. Two vaccines -- PCV13 (Prevnar 13) and PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23) -- can protect you against pneumococcal disease. The CDC recommends that all adults 65 and older have both shots, a year apart, with PCV13 first.
Tdap shot or booster. If you skipped the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) booster shot as a teen or an adult, get one now. Or if you did get it but it’s been at least a decade, get a booster against tetanus and diphtheria, called Td, every 10 years.
Colon Cancer
Most men and women should get checked for colon cancer starting at age 50.
You can go with one of the tests that can find cancer and polyps, which can become cancerous, or a test that finds just cancer. The first type is better. But it’s important to get tested, whichever one you choose.
If you have a family history of colon cancer, get checked sooner. If you’re African-American or American Indian, consider starting at age 45.
You can get tested several different ways, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Talk to your doctor about the best options for you. If you have a colonoscopy, your doctor can remove any polyps before they turn cancerous.
Diabetes
Screening for type 2 diabetes should start at age 45, and once every 3 years after that. You may need more frequent testing if your results are not normal, or if you’re overweight or have pre-diabetes or family history of the disease. Your doctor may recommend one of these tests:
- A1c. This measures your average blood glucose for the past 2-3 months.
- Fasting plasma glucose. It checks blood sugar levels after you’ve had nothing but water for at least 8 hours.
Oral glucose tolerance test. This checks your blood glucose levels both before and 2 hours after you drink a special sweet drink.
Bone Density
Your bones can get more fragile with age. Your doctor may recommend a bone density test of your hip and spine called a DXA scan for people with higher chances of fractures. They include:
- Women 65 and older
- Younger women and men who may be more likely to get osteoporosis, including those who smoke, are underweight, have had previous fractures, regularly take prednisone or other steroids, and have more than three alcoholic drinks a day.
If your results are normal, you won’t need another scan for several years. But if you have low bone density or a full blown osteoporosis, you’ll need to get tested much more often.
Vision
After age 50, get a comprehensive eye exam every 2 to 4 years. After age 55, you might need one as often as every year. If you have diabetes or notice any changes in your vision, ask your doctor or ophthalmologist about what to do.
Blood Pressure
Hypertension, or a reading of 120 over 80 or higher, is very common among older adults. It’s best to get it checked annually. If you are obese or overweight, or if your top reading is above 120, your doctor will help you come up with a plan to follow up.
Cholesterol
You need a blood test to check your total cholesterol as well as high-density (good) and low-density (bad) lipoprotein cholesterol. Some cholesterol turns into plaque that clogs up your arteries that can lead to stroke and heart attack. If your levels are high, you may need testing more often.
Screenings for Women
Mammograms. Experts differ on how often most women need screening for breast cancer. The American Cancer Society calls for annual mammograms starting at age 45, then switching to once every 2 years when you reach 55. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a less-aggressive schedule, since more screening leads to harm and expenses from false-positive tests. It says women under 50 should talk to their doctor about whether you need screening. From ages 50 and up, it recommends screening every other year and then no more after age 75.
Cervical cancer. Pap tests have long been the gold standard for testing. You can either have a PAP alone every 3 years, have an HPV (human papillomavirus) test every 5 years, or pair the two tests every five years. You may need to keep screening past age 65 if you have a history of abnormal cervical cells.
Screening for Men
PSA test. It checks for prostate cancer. While it’s the best screening test we have to check for prostate cancer, the PSA blood test may suggest you have prostate cancer when you don’t. This may require a biopsy to determine if cancer is indeed present. If you have an above average risk for prostate cancer, your doctor may still suggest you have this test. Talk to your doctor about whether PSA tests are worthwhile for you.
Source: https://www.webmd.com
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