Regular medical examinations after 60: why are they needed

Regular medical examinations after 60: Why are they needed?

I. Age -related changes and increased risk of diseases after 60

With age in the human body, natural changes occur, which increase vulnerability to various diseases. These changes affect almost all organs and can manifest itself gradually, often asymptomatic in the early stages. Understanding these age -related changes is the key to realizing the importance of regular medical examinations after 60 years.

• Cardiovascular system: With age, the walls of arteries lose their elasticity, which leads to an increase in blood pressure (hypertension). The risk of developing atherosclerosis is increasing – deposits of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels that narrow their lumen and worsening blood supply to organs. This, in turn, increases the risk of coronary heart disease (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction) and stroke. In addition, heart rhythm (arrhythmias) may occur, requiring timely diagnosis and treatment.

• Respiratory system: With age, the elasticity of the lungs decreases, their vital capacity decreases. This makes the body more susceptible to respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia and flu. The risk of developing chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) increases, especially in smokers.

• Bone system: With age, bones become more fragile, which increases the risk of fractures, especially with falling. This is due to a decrease in bone density, known as osteoporosis. In women, osteoporosis develops faster after menopause due to a decrease in estrogen levels.

• Nervous system: With age, the rate of transmission of nerve impulses is reduced, which can lead to a slowdown in the reaction, a deterioration in memory and concentration of attention. The risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, increases. Problems may arise with sleep, balance and coordination of movements.

• Venile system: In men with age, the risk of developing benign prostate hyperplasia (prostate adenomas) increases, which can lead to difficulty urination. In women, the level of estrogen decreases, which can cause dry vaginal, urinary incontinence and other problems.

• Endocrine system: With age, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases, in which the body cannot effectively use insulin to regulate the level of glucose in the blood. This can lead to various complications, including diseases of the heart, kidneys, eyes and nervous system. The production of sex hormones is reduced in both men and women.

• Self -senses: With age, vision worsens, the risk of cataracts, glaucomas and age -related macular degeneration increases. Hearing can also deteriorate, which complicates communication and reduces the quality of life.

• Immune system: With age, the immune system weakens, which makes the body more susceptible to infections and cancer. The effectiveness of vaccination is reduced, so it is necessary to regularly undergo revaccination from influenza, pneumococcal infection and other diseases.

II. The goals and objectives of regular medical examinations

Regular medical examinations after 60 years pursue several important goals aimed at maintaining health, preventing diseases and improving the quality of life:

• Early detection of diseases: One of the main tasks of medical examinations is the identification of diseases in the early stages, when they are not yet manifested by symptoms and are most effectively treated. This is especially important for diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Early diagnosis allows you to start treatment in a timely manner, prevent the progression of the disease and improve the prognosis.

• Assessment of risk factors: Medical examinations allow you to evaluate individual risk factors for the development of various diseases, such as increased blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, heredity and inactive lifestyle. Knowing his risk factors, a person can take measures to reduce them, such as a change in lifestyle, taking drugs and regular physical exercises.

• Prevention of diseases: Medical examinations include recommendations for the prevention of diseases, such as vaccination, screening for cancer, recommendations on healthy nutrition and physical activity. Vaccination helps to protect against infectious diseases, cancer screening allows you to identify malignant neoplasms in the early stages, and a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

• Control of chronic diseases: For people with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes or asthma, medical examinations allow you to control the state of health, adjust the treatment and prevent complications. Regular monitoring of health indicators, such as blood pressure, blood glucose and lung function, helps maintain the disease under control and improve the quality of life.

• Functional status assessment: Medical examinations include an assessment of the functional status, that is, a person’s ability to perform everyday actions, such as walking, dressing, bathing and cooking. Assessment of the functional status allows you to identify problems with mobility, equilibrium and cognitive functions and develop strategies to solve them, such as physical therapy, ergotherapy and cognitive training.

• Identification of depression and other mental disorders: Medical examinations include depression screening and other mental disorders, which are often found in older people and can negatively affect their quality of life. Early identification and treatment of depression and other mental disorders helps improve mood, sleep, appetite and general health.

• Assessment of drug therapy: Medical examinations allow you to evaluate the drug therapy that a person receives and identify possible side effects and drug interactions. It is important that the doctor knows about all the drugs that the patient takes, including drugs that are released without a prescription, and food supplements in order to avoid undesirable consequences.

• Improving the quality of life: Ultimately, the goal of regular medical examinations is to improve the quality of life of the elderly, allowing them to remain active, healthy and independent as long as possible. Regular examinations help prevent diseases, control chronic conditions and maintain functional status, which helps to improve physical, mental and social well -being.

III. Recommendations for the frequency and volume of medical examinations

The frequency and volume of medical examinations after 60 years depend on individual risk factors, health status and recommendations of the doctor. However, there are general recommendations that should be taken into account:

• Annual general inspection: It is recommended to undergo a general medical examination annually, which includes the measurement of blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, assessment of the general state of health, collecting an anamnesis (medical history) and a physical examination. During the examination, the doctor can ask questions about the symptoms, lifestyle, medicines and family history. Physical examination includes inspection of the skin, eyes, ears, nose, throat, lymph nodes, heart, lungs, abdomen and nervous system.

• Cancer screening: It is recommended to regularly undergo screening for cancer in accordance with the age, floor and risk factors.

  • Breast cancer: Women aged 50-74 years are recommended to undergo mammography every two years. Women with a high risk of developing breast cancer (for example, the presence of a family history) may require more frequent screening.

  • Cervical cancer: Women aged 21-65 are recommended regularly to pass the papa test (papanicolau smear) to detect abnormal cells in the cervix. The frequency of the papa test depends on the age and results of previous tests.

  • Tolstoy Cancer: People aged 50-75 years of age are recommended to undergo screening for colon cancer using various methods such as colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, fecal analysis for hidden blood or a fecal-damp. The frequency of screening depends on the method and results of previous tests.

  • Prostate cancer: It is recommended to discuss with the doctor the possibility of screening for prostate cancer by a doctor’s cancer by a blood test for a prostotspecific antigen (PSA) and a finger of rectal examination. The decision on screening should be made individually taking into account the risk factors and preferences of the patient.

  • Lung cancer: People with a high risk of developing lung cancer (for example, smokers with experience) are recommended to undergo low -dose computed tomography of the lungs.

• Assessment of cardiovascular risk: It is recommended to regularly evaluate the cardiovascular risk, which includes the measurement of blood pressure, blood cholesterol, blood glucose and evaluate other risk factors, such as smoking, obesity and family history. Based on the assessment of cardiovascular risk, the doctor may recommend a change in lifestyle, medication or other measures to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

• Assess the risk of osteoporosis: Women aged 65 years and older, as well as men with a high risk of development of osteoporosis, are recommended to undergo densitometry (DXA scanning) to measure bone density. Based on the results of densitometry, the doctor may recommend taking drugs to strengthen bones and prevent fractures.

• Assessment of thyroid function: It is recommended to regularly check the function of the thyroid gland, especially in women, since thyroid diseases are more common in women than in men. Checking the function of the thyroid gland includes a blood test for thyroid hormones.

• Assessment of cognitive functions: It is recommended to regularly evaluate cognitive functions, such as memory, attention and thinking, especially in people with complaints of memory deterioration or other cognitive impairment. Assessment of cognitive functions may include various tests and questionnaires.

• Assessment of mental health: It is recommended to regularly undergo depression and other mental disorders, especially in people with complaints of bad mood, insomnia or loss of interest in life. Frequency for depression may include filling out special questionnaires.

• Vaccination: It is recommended to regularly undergo vaccination from influenza, pneumococcal infection, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and girling lichen. Older people are more susceptible to these infections and have a higher risk of complications.

• Eye examination: It is recommended that an ophthalmologist examine the eye to detect cataracts, glaucoma, age -related macular degeneration and other eyes of the eyes. Early detection and treatment of these diseases helps maintain vision.

• Tooth examination: It is recommended to regularly visit a dentist for a preventive examination and professional brushing of teeth. Elderly people are more susceptible to diseases of the gums and caries.

• Audiometry: It is recommended to regularly undergo audiometry (hearing test) to identify hearing loss. Hearing loss can complicate communication and reduce the quality of life.

IV. Specific medical examinations and tests recommended after 60

In addition to general recommendations, there are specific medical examinations and tests that are especially important for people over 60 years old:

• General blood test: A general blood test allows you to evaluate the general state of health and identify signs of anemia, infection and other blood diseases. It includes the calculation of the number of red blood cells, leukocytes and platelets, as well as the determination of the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit.

• Biochemical blood test: The biochemical test of blood allows you to evaluate the function of various organs and systems, such as liver, kidneys, heart and pancreas. It includes determining the level of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, urea, bilirubin, amylase and other indicators.

• Urine analysis: Urine analysis allows you to identify signs of urinary tract infection, kidney diseases and diabetes. It includes the definition of color, transparency, pH, density and protein content, glucose, ketone bodies and microscopic examination of sediment.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): ECG allows you to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart and identify signs of ischemia, arrhythmias and other heart diseases.

• Chest radiography: The x -ray of the chest allows you to identify signs of pneumonia, COPD, lung cancer and other lung diseases.

• Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the abdominal organs: Ultrasound of the abdominal organs allows you to assess the condition of the liver, gall bladder, pancreas, spleen and kidneys.

• Ultrasound of the thyroid gland: Ultrasound of the thyroid gland allows you to assess the condition of the thyroid gland and identify signs of nodes, cysts and other thyroid diseases.

• Densitometry (DXA scan): Densitometry allows you to measure the density of bone tissue and identify signs of osteoporosis.

• Evaluation of the function of the lungs (spirometry): Spirometry allows you to evaluate the function of the lungs and identify the signs of COPD, asthma and other lung diseases.

• Hidden blood test in feces: The test for hidden blood in the feces allows you to identify signs of bleeding in the colon, which can be a sign of colon cancer.

• Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy allows you to examine the inner surface of the colon using a flexible endoscope and identify signs of polyps, cancer and other diseases of the colon.

• Mammography: Mammography allows you to identify signs of breast cancer in the early stages.

• PAP test (Mazok Papanikolau): The papa test allows you to identify abnormal cells in the cervix, which can be a sign of cervical cancer.

• Blood test for prostatscepecic antigen (PSA): A blood test for the dog allows you to identify signs of prostate cancer.

• Assessment of cognitive functions: Assessment of cognitive functions may include various tests and questionnaires, such as a mini-mental test (MMSE) and a clock test.

• Assessment of mental health: Assessment of mental health may include filling out special questionnaires, such as the Bek depression scale (BDI).

V. Preparation for a medical examination

Preparations for a medical examination can help make it more effective and informative. Here are some tips:

• Write down all your symptoms and questions: Before visiting the doctor, write down all your symptoms, complaints and questions that you want to discuss. This will help you not forget important details and get answers to all your questions.

• Gather information about your medical history: Gather information about your medical history, including the diseases, surgery, allergies, drugs that you take, and a family history of diseases. This information will help the doctor make a complete picture of your health status.

• Bring all your medicines: Bring all your medicines to your doctor, including drugs, released without a prescription, and food additives. This will help the doctor evaluate medicinal therapy and identify possible side effects and drug interactions.

• Prepare for a physical examination: Pour comfortable clothes that are easy to take off and put on. If you have a chest examination, avoid the use of deodorants and lotions.

• Follow the instructions before analyzes: Before analyzes, such as blood test and urine analysis, follow the doctor’s instructions regarding nutrition, taking drugs and other restrictions.

• Be honest with the doctor: Be honest with your doctor regarding your lifestyle, habits and symptoms. This will help the doctor make the correct diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.

• Ask questions: Feel free to ask the doctor questions if something is not clear to you. Make sure you understand all the doctor’s recommendations and the treatment plan.

• Take the accompanying person with you: If it is difficult for you to remember information or you feel uncomfortable alone, take with you an appointment with the accompanying doctor.

VI. The role of a healthy lifestyle in maintaining health after 60

Regular medical examinations are an important part of maintaining health after 60 years, but they are not the only factor. A healthy lifestyle plays a key role in the prevention of diseases and improve the quality of life.

• Proper nutrition: Proper nutrition helps maintain the health of the heart, bones, brain and other organs and systems. It is recommended to consume a variety of foods rich in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, low -fat meat, fish and legumes. Limit the consumption of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and sugar.

• Regular physical activity: Regular physical activity helps maintain the health of the heart, bones, muscles and joints. It is recommended to engage in physical exercises of moderate intensity of at least 150 minutes a week, such as walking, swimming, cycling or dancing. Also useful exercises for strength and flexibility.

• Refusal of smoking: Smoking is one of the main risk factors for the development of many diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and COPD. Refusal of smoking is one of the most important steps that can be taken to improve your health.

• Alcohol use restriction: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing liver diseases, heart and other organs. It is recommended to limit the use of alcohol to a moderate level (no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men).

• Sufficient sleep: A sufficient dream is important for physical and mental health. It is recommended to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.

• Stress management: Chronic stress can negatively affect health. It is recommended to find stress control methods, such as meditation, yoga, communication with friends and relatives or hobbies.

• Maintaining social activity: Maintaining social activity helps to prevent depression and improve cognitive functions. It is recommended to participate in public events, visit clubs and interest circles, communicate with friends and relatives.

VII. Psychological aspects of medical examinations

Medical examinations can cause anxiety and anxiety, especially in people who are afraid of doctors or are afraid of detecting serious diseases. It is important to understand these psychological aspects and take measures to reduce anxiety.

• Discuss your fears with a doctor: Discuss your fears with a doctor. The doctor can explain to you the goal and examination process, answer your questions and dispel your fears.

• Ask for support from friends and loved ones: Ask for support from friends and loved ones. They can support you emotionally and help you deal with anxiety.

• Use relaxation techniques: Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation to reduce stress levels.

• Focus on positive aspects: Focus on the positive aspects of medical examinations, such as the possibility of early detection of diseases and the prevention of complications.

• Remember that the doctor is your ally: Remember that the doctor is your ally and he is interested in your health and well -being.

VIII. Advantages of early detection of diseases

Early identification of diseases has many advantages:

• More effective treatment: Early detection of diseases allows you to begin treatment in the early stages, when it is most effective.

• Prevention of the progression of the disease: Early treatment can prevent the progression of the disease and the development of complications.

• Improvement of forecasts: Early detection of diseases improves the prognosis and increases the chances of recovery.

• Reducing the cost of treatment: Early treatment often requires less expensive and invasive treatment methods than treatment in the later stages.

• Improving the quality of life: Early detection and treatment of diseases helps to improve the quality of life and maintain a functional status.

IX. Accessibility of medical services for the elderly

The availability of medical services for the elderly is an important factor affecting their health and well -being. It is important that older people have the opportunity to receive the necessary medical examinations and treatment in a timely and in full.

• Medical insurance: Medical insurance helps to cover the costs of medical services. Elderly people are entitled to receive medical insurance under a compulsory medical insurance program (compulsory medical insurance).

• Social support: Social support can help older people gain access to medical services, for example, provide transport, support for an appointment with a doctor or assistance in paperwork.

• Information support: Information support can help older people learn about their rights to medical services and how to get access to these services.

• Adaptation of medical services: Medical services should be adapted to the needs of older people, for example, to be provided in a convenient place, at a convenient time and taking into account the characteristics of their health and cognitive functions.

X. Conclusion: Investments in health – investment in the future

Regular medical examinations after 60 years are not just a formality, but an important investment in your health and future. They help to identify diseases in the early stages, prevent complications, control chronic conditions and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. The combination of regular medical examinations with a healthy lifestyle allows older people to remain active, independent and enjoy life in full. Caring for your health is the best way to ensure longevity and high quality life.