As we age, our body's organs slowly weaken and our immune system is less able to fight off disease. But that doesn't mean we're doomed to poor health in our later years. Fortunately our organs start out with an extra reserve -- more capacity than we need to survive, according to Dr. Joshua Rassen, an internist and geriatrician in Northern California. The aging process for a healthy person is usually a very gradual decline. A healthy lifestyle and good medical care can reduce your health risks and improve your quality of life, even if you get a late start.

When considering lifestyle changes, it helps to have priorities. Regular checkups can help you pinpoint your most urgent health needs. For example, if tests show that you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, lifestyle changes and medical treatment may help prevent a heart attack or stroke. You and your doctor will determine how often you should be tested for certain conditions. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) suggests the following guidelines for people over 40:

For both men and women:

•Height and weight check: Every time you see the doctor, which should be at least once each year.

•Blood pressure: At least once every two years, if you have normal blood pressure. Some doctors recommend you have it checked every time you see the doctor.

•Cholesterol test: Check with your doctor. High cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. It's a good idea to know your cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol level, HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides. The American Heart Association recommends getting your cholesterol checked every 5 years, though your doctor may want to check it more frequently if your cholesterol is high, or if you are at risk for heart disease.

•Diabetes (blood sugar test): Every 3 years starting at age 45, unless you are high risk, then check with your doctor.

•Sexually transmitted diseases: Sexually active men and women should get tested for STDs, including HIV and chlamydia, before starting a new relationship.

•Fecal occult blood test for signs of colorectal cancer: Every year beginning at age 50.

•Flexible sigmoidoscopy (recommended in conjunction with fecal occult blood test): Every 5 years beginning at age 50, unless you have a colonoscopy instead.

•Double contrast barium enema: Every 5 to 10 years beginning at age 50, unless you have a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

•Colonoscopy: Every 10 years, beginning at age 50.

•Rectal exam: Every 5 to 10 years with each colorectal cancer screening, beginning at age 50.

•Eye exam: Every 2 to 4 years from age 40 to 64. Every 1 to 2 years starting at age 65.

•Mole exam: Examine your moles for changes every month, and have your doctor do a mole exam once a year.

•Dental checkup: Once or twice a year.

•Flu shot: Every year from age 50; before age 50, check with your doctor.

•Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine: One dose for adults 65 years or older. A second dose may be given if the first dose was received before age 65, and if at least 5 years have passed since that first dose.

•Tetanus-diphtheria booster: Every 10 years for adults 65 and over. Adults 64 and under should receive the tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster, made specifically for adults, every 10 years until age 65.

•Shingles vaccine: There is a new vaccine that can help prevent shingles. It is a one-time injection for people over 60.

For women:

•Thyroid test: Every 5 years starting at age 35. The thyroid is a small gland in your lower neck that regulates your body's metabolism. A test that measures your level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) can catch problems even before you have any symptoms.

•Bone mineral density test: Check with your doctor. The U.S. Preventive Service Task Force recommends routine tests for women 65 and older. Women who are at especially high risk for fractures -- including women with a family history of osteoporosis -- should start getting tested at age 60.

•Mammogram: The Department of Health and Human Services recommends a mammogram every 1 to 2 years after age 40, though the American Cancer Society recommends that women over 40 get an annual mammogram.

•Pap test and pelvic exam: Every 1 to 3 years until age 65, then as your doctor recommends.

•Hearing test: Every 10 years until age 50, then every 3 years.

For men:

•Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: This is a blood test used to screen for prostate cancer. The HHS doesn't recommend this type of routine screening for prostate cancer because the results are often difficult to interpret. However, the American Cancer Society recommends that men get the test at age 50, and then discuss future testing with their doctor.

•Testicular exam: Men should examine their testicles monthly for any abnormalities, and have their doctors do an exam during their annual checkup.

•Hearing test: Every 10 years starting at age 40.

Osteoporosis: Some men are also at risk due to factors such as diet, heredity, or hormone changes, so consult your doctor about screenings as well.

•If you smoke, quit. Even if you've smoked all your life, quitting now will reduce your risk of heart disease within the first few years; in about a decade your risk will plummet to the same level as a non-smoker. Most people are aware of the lung damage that smoking can cause, including bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer. Smoking also hastens bone loss, increasing your risk of osteoporosis.

•Get regular exercise. Resistance exercises (weight training) will strengthen your muscles while reducing chances of developing osteoporosis and fractures. Exercise also helps your balance, making it less likely you'll. fall Aerobic exercise keeps your heart and lungs working well. (We'll talk more about exercise in the next class.)

•Eat a diet full of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and healthy proteins. At the same time, avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar. Drink plenty of water, too. Eating a healthy diet can help protect you against diabetes and heart disease. (We’ll also devote a future class to healthy eating, so stay tuned.).

•Keep tabs on your blood pressure. Many drugstores offer free or low-cost blood pressure checks right in the store. Or you might want to invest in a home blood pressure monitoring kit, available from many drugstores.

•If it's been more than a year since your last checkup, call your doctor for an appointment. It may be time for you to see your eye doctor and your dentist as well.

•Take a look at your risk factors for chronic conditions (by consulting with your doctor and examining your lifestyle), and think about what you can do to reduce them.

•Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.

•If you're not physically active, check with your doctor about starting a regular exercise program. In the meantime, take a walk!

Healthy Aging 101, Part 1: Change Your Outlook on Aging

Healthy Aging 101, Part 3: Get Moving

Healthy Aging 101, Part 4: Staying Connected

Healthy Aging 101, Part 5: Eating for Good Health

Healthy Aging 101, Part 6: More Rest, Less Stress

Healthy Aging 101, Part 7: Planning for Your Later Years, Protecting Your Legacy

Healthy Aging 101, Part 8: Finding Deeper Meaning

-- Nancy Montgomery is a senior editor at Consumer Health Interactive.

References

Last updated July 20, 2009
Copyright © 2007 Consumer Health Interactive

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