Age is just a number, right? We all think that as we get older, our health will just naturally start to decline. But that’s not always the case.
In fact, there are plenty of signs that indicate that seniors should always get their annual checkups. From minor issues like routine blood pressure and cholesterol checks to more serious problems like heart disease and stroke, it’s important for seniors to be aware of the dangers lurking around every corner.
Here are a few reasons why seniors should always get their annual checkups.
Contents
Seniors are at a higher risk for health problems
One of the most common health problems faced by seniors is heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rates of heart disease in Americans over 65 have more than tripled since the early 1960s. This increase can be largely attributed to factors such as obesity, hypertension, and smoking.
Although there’s no guarantee that any single thing can prevent heart disease, getting regular checkups is one of the best ways to reduce your risk. A yearly physical exam can identify signs and symptoms of heart disease before they worsen and can help recommend preventive measures such as cholesterol screenings or exercise programs.
In addition to heart disease, seniors are at a higher risk for other health problems including cancer, stroke, arthritis, and diabetes. It’s important to get regular checkups so that you can detect these conditions before they become serious and require medical treatment or surgery.
Annual checkups can help identify health problems early
Your annual checkups can help identify health problems early, so you can get the assistance you need and go about your day with a better understanding of your overall well-being.
By getting regular physical examinations, you can catch problems in their early stages and take appropriate action to prevent them from becoming bigger issues. This can include screenings for cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
Physical examination findings during an annual checkup may also suggest that you see a specialist for further evaluation or treatment. This way, you’ll be able to get the care you need without relying on costly out-of-pocket expenses.
If there are any health concerns that require immediate attention, let your doctor know right away. By doing so, you may be able to prevent serious complications from developing.
Checkups can also help identify health risks and recommend treatments
Annual checkups can help identify health risks and recommend treatments. By getting checked up each year, you can maximize your chances of staying healthy and enjoying a long life. Annual checkups can also detect health risks early, so you can take the necessary steps to prevent problems from developing into serious issues.
Dr. Laura Berman, a family physician in NYC, says that annual checkups are an important way to monitor your overall health. “A routine physical exam is not only a great way to keep tabs on your general health but it’s also an opportunity for us to identify potential health risks,” she says. “By catching potential problems early, we can often avoid more serious consequences.”
If you have any questions about what constitutes an annual checkup or would like to find a doctor who offers them, be sure to ask your primary care doctor or family physician. They may be able to recommend someone in your area who does regular physical exams.
Health problems that often occur in seniors
According to the National Institute on Aging, more than 50 million seniors living in the United States are at risk for age-related health problems. From hypertension to heart disease and stroke, these conditions can lead to a decline in overall quality of life and even death. Here are three common health problems that often occur in seniors:
Hypertension: According to the American Heart Association, almost one-third of adults over 65 years old have hypertension. Hypertension is a serious condition that can damage blood vessels, leading to heart disease and stroke. To prevent hypertension from developing, make sure to include regular exercise and a healthy diet in your routine.
Heart Disease: Another common age-related health problem is heart disease. More than 650,000 seniors suffer from heart disease each year in the United States, and as many as 44 percent will die from it.
Signs and symptoms of heart disease include chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and fatigue. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in yourself or someone you care for, make an appointment with your doctor ASAP.
Stroke: A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted due to an obstruction within one or more arteries supplying blood to the brain. Symptoms of a stroke may include sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, confusion, loss of vision on one side of the eye or blindness, and sudden severe headache.
Diabetes: Diabetes is a serious and life-threatening disease that can be controlled with regular checkups. A diabetes diagnosis doesn’t mean that you’re doomed, but it does mean that you need to take care of yourself and get your blood sugar under control. Diabetes can damage organs like the kidneys, heart, and eyes, so it’s important to get screened for the disease and treated as soon as possible if you are diagnosed.
Arthritis: One of the most common medical conditions among seniors is arthritis, which can make daily activities difficult and even painful. By getting your checkup and learning about your symptoms, you can start to manage them more effectively. Additionally, by monitoring any changes in your health over time, you can make sure that you’re taking the appropriate steps to prevent arthritis from worsening. In general, regular checkups are an important part of overall health and well-being for seniors.
Conclusion
If you wondered why seniors needed to et regular checkup, now you know. As persons age, it will become much easier to fall to illness due to the body getting weaker with age. Keeping abreast of your health status can help you know what may be wrong and what you can do to prevent or delay sickness.
