The following is a general guide for people age 65 and older.
Talk to your doctor about the specific things you need based on
your health history.
| Activity |
When to get it |
| Blood pressure check |
Every doctor visit, at least once a year
120/80 or less is normal
|
| Bone density test |
Women – at least once after age 65; As recommended by your doctor, if you have risk factors |
| Cholesterol test |
At least every two years
Goals: Total under 200, LDL under 129 HDL above 40 (men), above 50 (women)
|
| Colon and rectal cancer screening tests (colorectal) |
A fecal test every 1-2 years
Barium enema or sigmoid every 5 years
Colonoscopy every 10 years
|
| Dental exam |
At least once a year |
| Dilated eye exam |
People with diabetes, at least once a year |
| Fasting blood glucose test |
People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or who are overweight at least once a year
Less than 100 is normal
|
| Foot exam, by doctor or nurse |
People with diabetes, at least once a year |
| Flu Shot |
Every year between October and March |
| Eat fruit and vegetables |
Five or more servings every day |
| Hearing test |
At least every two years |
| Height measurement |
Once a year |
| Hemoglobin A-1-C test |
People with diabetes, at least once a year |
| Kidney function tests |
People with diabetes, at least once a year |
| Mammogram (women) |
At least every two years |
| Pap test (women) |
As recommended by your doctor, if you have risk factors |
| Physical activity |
A total of 30 minutes or more on most days of the week |
| Pneumonia shot |
Once after age 65 or sooner if you have risk factors |
| Prostate exam (men) |
At least every two years |
| Shingles shot |
Once after age 60 |
| Smoke detector battery replacement |
Every 6 months or as recommended by the manufacturer. |
| Smoking or other tobacco use |
If you smoke or use tobacco, ask your doctor for help to quit or reduce your use |
| TB test |
As recommended by your doctor, if you have risk factors |
| Tetanus, diphtheria shots |
At least every ten years |
| Urinalysis/microalbumin tests |
People with diabetes or high blood pressure, at least once a year |
| Vision exam |
Once a year |
| Weight |
At least once a year |