Senior Health
Focus on Senior Health
It’s never too late to take better care of yourself. With healthy habits, you’ll enjoy greater independence and a higher quality of life. Write down all of your questions or concerns about your health as you think of them. Take your list with you to your next doctor’s appointment. As your doctor discusses the issues, you may want to take notes, so don’t forget to take a pad of paper and a pencil.
Never stop learning. The more you know about your health, the quicker you’ll be able to recognize and respond to a problem. In many cases, early detection is your best defense against physical and emotional problems. Your doctor can assist you with both.
The following health care guidelines were developed by medical specialists at Scripps for men and women over 65 in good general health.
| Men/Women | Ages 65-74 | Ages 75+ |
| Physical Exams: | ||
| Periodic Exam | annually | annually |
| Height/Weight | annually | annually |
| Blood Pressure | annually | annually |
| Skin Self-Exam | weekly | weekly |
| Mouth/Eye Self-Exam | monthly | monthly |
| Screenings: | ||
| Vision/Hearing | annually | annually |
| Depression/Living Skills | annually | annually |
| Lab Tests: | ||
| Lipoprotein Profile | every 5 yrs. | every 5 yrs. |
| Urinalysis/Fecal Blood | annually | annually |
| Immunizations: | ||
| Flu Vaccine | annually | annually |
| Tetanus Booster | every 10 yrs. | |
| Pneumococcal Vaccine | every 6-10 yrs. | |
| Men Only: | ||
| Testes Self-Exam | weekly | weekly |
| Flexible Sigmoidoscopy | every 5 yrs. | |
| Women Only: | ||
| Breast Exam | annually | annually |
| Breast Self-Exam | monthly | monthly |
| Pap Smear | annually if abnormal | annually if abnormal |
| Mammogram | annually | |
| Flexible Sigmoidoscopy | annually | annually |
Especially For Women…
Compression fractures of the spine are a common result of osteoporosis. Over time, they can cause a stooped posture and a loss of up to three inches in height! Call 1-800-SCRIPPS to receive information on osteoporosis or for a referral to a Scripps physician for evaluation.
Did You Know…
Pets improve your health! Studies show that people who have a pet (whether it’s a dog, a cat or fish) also have lower blood pressure and experience fewer feelings of stress and isolation.