For seniors, annual doctors’ appointments are an essential part of staying healthy. At these appointments, seniors should make sure they’re being tested for a variety of serious conditions. This checklist details a few of the top things seniors should get checked every year.

Blood Pressure 

Hypertension affects many older adults, and when untreated, it can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other major health events. Doctors screen for high blood pressure at annual checkups, and they can provide treatment to seniors who have high blood pressure levels. Most seniors are recommended to maintain blood pressure levels of 130/80 mmHg or lower.

Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust home care service experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.

Osteoporosis 

Osteoporosis is a condition that negatively affects the density of the bones, leaving people with bones that are weak, brittle, and prone to injury. This condition affects more women than men because the hormonal changes experienced during menopause can lead to a decrease in bone mass. Women over the age of 65 may want to undergo a bone density test, also known as a bone mass measurement test.

Cholesterol 

High cholesterol levels put men and women at greater risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular health conditions. Seniors should get their cholesterol levels checked at their annual physicals to ensure their levels are within a healthy range. Cholesterol tests are known as lipid panels or lipid profiles, and they measure the levels of good and bad cholesterol found in the blood.

Breast Cancer 

Women over the age of 50 should get screened for breast cancer at least every other year. As women age, their chances of breast cancer increase, and regular screenings are the best way to catch cancer before it spreads. Studies show that women who get frequent breast cancer screenings are less likely to develop this condition than their peers. Mammograms are the ideal way to screen for this type of cancer.

If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a San Diego senior home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.

Weight 

Weight can be an important indicator of health, especially for seniors. When people are overweight, they’re at greater risk for diabetes, cardiovascular events, and other health conditions. At annual checkups, doctors may refer to BMI, or Body Mass Index, a measure of body fat that compares height to weight. Doctors may also take measurements of seniors’ waistlines. For women, increased waistline circumference is linked to heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and breast cancer. Seniors who are overweight may be prescribed treatment regimens by their doctors, which may include healthy diet plans, regular exercise, and medication.

Glucose Levels 

Seniors at risk for diabetes may undergo glucose tests. If glucose levels are too high, it may indicate diabetes. If levels are too low, it might be a sign of hypoglycemia. For seniors, fasting glucose level should be slightly lower than 100. When a senior’s glucose levels go higher than 125, it means he or she likely has diabetes. 

Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional around-the-clock home care. San Diego seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Assisting Hands Home Care at 858-667-0813 today.