It is important to remember that irrespective of your age, health checkups are necessary to monitor the proper functioning of various body organs, screen for some illnesses, detect health concerns beforehand and more. Medical tests are not only done if you have health issues. Even if you are fit, medical tests can offer you peace of mind.
As we age, the need for medical tests increases and becomes more frequent. The right lifestyle will help you avoid a lot of health problems from cropping up and to make this switch you need awareness. A well-planned diet, consistent meal timings, regular health checkups and exercise can play a huge role in keeping you healthy and happy.
As you turn 60, your body will manifest signs of ageing and you may experience some anxiety. Your doctor will likely suggest a comprehensive health checkup and the right diagnosis is important to check the onset of several health disorders.
Here are a few basic healthcare tests that will help find out if there’s any reason to worry regarding your health. The test results must be always discussed with a healthcare professional and you must follow the treatment plan.
Bone density check is highly recommended for elderly people as bones tend to lose essential minerals like calcium and phosphate in place of retaining them as ageing occurs, especially in females due to a decline in protective hormones after menopause.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
| Name of the test | Purpose of the test |
| PSA Test (For men) | It is a blood test used to screen for prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate. A high level of PSA in blood indicates the presence of prostate cancer. |
| CA 125 Test (For Women) | Some women have a high risk of having ovarian cancer. This test is helpful in the screening of such women but should not be considered confirmatory as it is also found in some non-cancerous conditions like:EndometriosisLiver cirrhosisNormal menstruationPelvic inflammatory diseaseUterine fibroids |
| CA 19-9 Test | This test measures the amount of a protein called CA 19-9 (cancer antigen 19-9) in the blood. High levels of CA 19-9 are a sign of pancreatic cancer or it may indicate other types of cancer or certain noncancerous disorders, including cirrhosis and gallstones. |
| Cardiac Risk Markers Test | These are blood tests that indicate the chances of developing heart disease. |
| Lipid Profile | Along with cardiac markers, the lipid profile test is recommended. It measures the fat or lipids present in your blood. This test shows the total amount of good cholesterol (HDL), bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in your blood. Fat molecules can clog your arteries, triggering hypertension and eventually heart attack or cardiac arrest. |
| Thyroid Test | Thyroid tests are recommended for people above age 35. Especially to women who are 10 times more likely to develop thyroid problems and the TSH blood test must be done once a year. Undiagnosed thyroid disorders may lead to fatigue, weight gain or loss, change in bowel habits, mood swings, obesity, dementia, arthritis and even heart disorders. |
| Renal Function Test (RFT/KFT) | This test is done to check the proper functioning of your kidney. It helps measure the parameters of substances like proteins, glucose, creatinine, electrolyte and minerals. |
| CBC | A Complete Blood Count test that measures your WBC, RBC, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, haematocrit, platelets, etc. This test can detect anaemia and is especially recommended for women who are not aware if they have anaemia. Can point out towards other underlying undetected conditions as well. |
| Diabetes Test (postprandial and fasting) and HbA1c | People at the age of 60 are more vulnerable to diabetes. It is imperative to get the blood sugar test done. It may also help you see how your body responds to insulin. Book both Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) and Postprandial Glucose (PPBS) tests.The HbA1c test can measure your glucose level attached to the haemoglobin (called glycated haemoglobin). It can predict diabetes or detect prediabetes. India has shown an increase in Diabetes cases around the southern and western zones. |
| Vitamin B12 Test | This test is done to check your Vitamin B12 level. This is mostly obtained from animal proteins, which is why vegetarians should definitely get this test done. Vitamin B12 deficiency is linked to anaemia, problems of the nervous system, memory loss and weakening of bones. At the age of 60, you may be more prone to falling or tripping and fractures. |
| Urine Test | A routine urine test can detect problems in liver and kidney functions. It can also diagnose urinary tract infection or any metabolic problem. |
| Serum Electrolytes Test | Electrolytes help control the amount of fluids and the balance of acids and bases in your body. This blood test measures levels of potassium which helps your heart and muscles work properly. Abnormal levels of any of the electrolytes like sodium and chloride can cause serious health problems. The magnesium level in your blood may also lead to health problems. |
| RA Factor Test | Rheumatoid factors are proteins produced by your immune system that can attack healthy tissues in your body.High levels of it seen in the blood test is associated with autoimmune diseases, people suffering from joint pain due to Rheumatoid Arthritis. |
| Uric Acid Test | The uric acid blood test can detect high levels of this acid in the blood. This is used to diagnose gout, monitor people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer. |
| Mammography (For females) | This test is done for the screening of breast cancer. It is recommended that a 60-year-old female should get mammograms every 1 to 2 years. |
| Pap Smear for cervical cancer | This test analyzes the cells of your cervix for signs of cancer. Women after 40 yrs of age are recommended to undergo this test. This test should be done once every 3 – 5 years. |
| Checkup with cardiologist once a year – 2D echo, stress test and ECG | Regular checkups are important for a 60-year-old individual. It can reduce the risk of cardiac disorders. There are certain substances called biomarkers that are released into the bloodstream and tests must be done to measure these to predict or diagnose underlying heart disease.Schedule a checkup with a cardiologist once a year. You may be asked to undergo ECG, cardiac stress test or 2D echo to see how well your heart is functioning. |
| At home – Blood Pressure check | The advent of several handy devices has made blood pressure checking easy at home. It helps you keep a regular track and you may if you wish, get it done at your nearest clinic too. Regular monitoring helps reduce the risk for heart disease and stroke. |
| Calcium Test | This requires a simple blood test and people who are 60 years old and above must ensure that they take this test for diagnosis and monitoring a range of conditions relating to the bones, heart, nerves, etc. |
| Eye and Dental Check | It is a known fact that with age our eye and dental health are compromised. You must never skip yearly eye and bi-annual oral check-ups. A 60-year-old may have cataract, glaucoma, retinopathy and it is important to manage these conditions to prevent complications. You must take care of your oral health especially in your 60’s. Untreated dental infections can affect your nutrition and cause serious health complications later on. |
Routine check up for above 60 include Complete blood count, kidney and liver function test, blood sugars, urine test and ECG, which should be done yearly.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
You should never ignore any signs of an illness, especially when you are in the 60s age group. Eat healthy meals on time, consult your doctor, take your medicines as well as nutritional supplements as prescribed, incorporate walks into your routine at least 5 days a week and exercise regularly.
Also Read: Is Lemon Good for Hair? Exploring Research-Based Facts and Myths
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Your 50’s should be the prime of your life. Most people imagine a comfortable family life with fewer worries than in your younger days. But poor health can rob you of this peaceful future. Luckily, with advances in medicine, there is plenty you can do to keep good health.
A trend we see is people visiting the doctor only when something goes wrong. While this type of curative medicine is common, preventive health is fast becoming an integral part of medicine. After all, having an increased lifespan is only enjoyable if you have a longer health span too!
Mammograms and Pap smears in females and prostate examinations apart from the routine heart, kidney and liver function tests are highly recommended in elderly and geriatric people to prevent and probably diagnose diseases at an early stage.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
Preventative medical tests help to catch early warning signs of potential issues before any symptoms show up. There are a variety of screening tests that are recommended based on age milestones. When you are 50, your risk of developing long term serious medical issues rises.
Eating healthy, avoiding poor lifestyle choices (like smoking) and getting regular exercise are all part of preventive health care. But some medical conditions (for example, cancer) can affect even the most healthy person. Before you ask what medical tests do I need at 50? Let us first answer the question – how do these screening tests help you?
Not only blood tests, one should visit a doctor for a physical examination, eye exam, dental check-ups, echo, TMT etc. after 50.
Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
By having regular checkups and tests during your 50s, you and your doctor can monitor your health. There are several key markers that can indicate what’s going on inside your body. In case your doctor notices some measurement in your blood is out of the normal range, they can inform you. This early warning allows you to start treatment early and avoid further damage to your body.
If you are in your 50s, these will be what the doctor prescribes when you ask them what medical tests do I need at 50? Let’s dive in:
The Cardiac Risk markers test acts as a holistic suite of tests to measure your risk of developing cardiac issues. These also include testing for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even examining your family history.
Along with that, there is the Lipid Profile Test to measure your triglycerides and cholesterol. This is helpful not only for trying to ascertain heart problems but also pancreatitis and other issues.
Meeting with your cardiologist once a year is also recommended, especially if you are at risk for developing cardiovascular problems. Your cardiologist may perform only a physical exam or and ask about your health. But they may also prescribe:
Lastly, your doctor may also ask you to check your blood pressure regularly at home.
I routinely advise Hba1c, Liver and kidney function tests, lipid profile, Prostate specific antigen for males, Pap smear for females, ECG, ECHO, TMT for all my patients above 50 yearly.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Your doctor may ask you to get these tests done several times a year if you have a high risk of diabetes. For those with a confirmed diabetes diagnosis, you may need to do an at-home blood glucose test more frequently.
Another important diabetes and prediabetes test is the HbA1c test, which measures the amount of haemoglobin in your blood that is attached to glucose. Since there has been an increase in diabetes cases in northern and western parts of India, this important test can help to detect and confirm diabetes.
Cancer treatment has come a long way and early screening is an important part of that. For men, it is recommended to take the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen test). This test helps to monitor for prostate cancer, depending on your level of PSA, you may be asked to get this test once every 2 – 4 years or less.
For women, there are several cancer screening tests. Mammography is a test to detect any abnormalities in the breasts, which could indicate breast cancer. A Pap smear test takes minute samples from the cervix for observation to detect cancerous or precancerous cells. It helps to preemptively detect cervical cancer. Another cancer test for women is the CA 125 (Cancer Antigen 125) test, which can be used as a screening for ovarian cancer. It should be noted that high levels of CA 125 do not always mean cancer is present.
One other common cancer screening test, regardless of gender, is the CA 19.9 test (Cancer Antigen 19.9). It is used to detect antigens from pancreatic cancer but it may also indicate cirrhosis or other non-cancer issues.
Also Read: Is Lemon Good for Hair? Exploring Research-Based Facts and Myths
Even if you do not show any serious symptoms, things can still be going wrong inside. The older we get, the more our body’s natural repair and metabolism rate decreases. Slower metabolism also means that as you age, it becomes easier to put on weight. As you can see, it becomes more important as you hit 50 to make preventive tests part of your healthcare routine. With the right tests at the right time, you can avoid serious (and expensive) long term medical issues.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The key to good health is caution and awareness. You can avert many lifestyle disorders if you are careful with how you live your life. A well-planned diet that provides our body with all the right nutrition, a little bit of exercise regularly and preventive health checkups go a long way in keeping us fit, healthy and happy.
Once you turn 40, it is time you get serious about your health. Your body has undergone a lot of stress in these 40 years of your life and the effects of tireless exertions, unhealthy eating and anxiety begin to show. This is when people begin to notice the onset of several health disorders which may escalate unless the right action is taken.
So, what is to be done? Simple, you just need to undergo a few basic healthcare tests. These tests will reveal if there is anything wrong with your health. Based on the results, you can tweak your lifestyle or start taking prescribed medication to nip the illness in the bud or manage it successfully.
Without further ado, let us take a look at some tests that everyone in their 40s (or even people who are older) needs to undergo at regular intervals.
What tests should be done at age 40? Here’s a comprehensive list:
| Name of the test | Purpose of the test |
| Cardiac Markers Test | This test assesses the risk of cardiac disorders. When your heart is in distress, certain substances called biomarkers are released into the bloodstream. This test measures the biomarkers to predict or diagnose underlying heart disease. Schedule a checkup with a cardiologist once a year. You may also have to undergo ECG, cardiac stress test or 2D echo along with the cardiac biomarkers test to see how well your heart is functioning. |
| Lipid Profile | Often recommended with cardiac markers test, the lipid profile or panel measures the volume of fat molecules or lipids in your blood. This test will give you the total amount of cholesterol, good cholesterol (HDL), bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in your blood. Fat molecules can clog your arteries, triggering hypertension and eventually heart attack or cardiac arrest. |
| Thyroid Test | Internationally, doctors are recommending thyroid tests to people over the age of 35, even if they do not exhibit symptoms of overactive or underactive thyroid. Moreover, women are 10 times more likely to develop thyroid problems, so they must mandatorily undergo the TSH blood test once a year. Untreated thyroid disorders can affect your entire metabolism and mental health. It can cause obesity, dementia, arthritis and even heart disorders. |
| Renal Function Test (RFT/KFT) | A kidney function test assesses the state of your renal health by measuring a number of substances such as proteins, glucose, creatinine, electrolyte and minerals. This test is especially necessary if you have already been diagnosed with hypertension or if your cholesterol levels are high. |
| CBC | A Complete Blood Count test will give your doctor a comprehensive look into the state of your health. This test measures your WBC, RBC, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, haematocrit, platelets etc. This routine test gives an idea of your blood picture and may signal an infection or conditions like anemia. |
| Diabetes Test (postprandial and fasting) and HbA1c | Since our current lifestyle makes us vulnerable to diabetes. It is imperative to get the blood sugar test done. For a comprehensive analysis of your glucose levels and how your body responds to insulin, you should book both the fasting and postprandial tests. The HbA1c test can measure your glucose level attached to the haemoglobin (called glycated haemoglobin). It can predict diabetes or detect prediabetes. This is especially recommended for people in southern and western India. |
| Vitamin B12 Test | As the name suggests, this test will reveal your level of Vitamin B12. Vegetarians and women should definitely get this test done once they enter their 40s because vitamin B12 deficiency is linked to anaemia and since this vitamin is mostly found in animal-based foods, vegetarians are likely to have low levels of vitamin B12. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to problems of the nervous system, memory loss and weakening of bones. |
| Urine Test | A routine urine test can detect anomalies in the functions of the liver or kidney. It can also diagnose urinary tract infection or any metabolic problem. |
| Pap Smear | This test analyzes the cells of your cervix for signs of cancer. Women in their 40s are recommended to undergo this test. This test should be done once every 3-5 years. |
| Eye and Dental Check | Even if you have been avoiding yearly eye and bi-annual oral check-ups all these years, it’s time to get serious about these tests. Work from home, increased screen time and unhealthy posture has led to increased risk of short-sightedness and farsightedness. Also cataract, glaucoma, retinopathy are some eye conditions, if diagnosed early can be managed well. Similarly, your oral health needs attention too. You need to have healthy gums and teeth to relish the nutritious food you love and untreated dental infections can bring serious health complications later on. |
These preventive healthcare tests are crucial. Do not ignore them just because you are not yet showing any signs of an illness. Eat healthy meals, take nutritional supplements, work out regularly and ask your doctor which tests you need to opt for. The care you take today is an investment for the future.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
