After the age of 50, a number of vaccines and health screenings become particularly relevant.
Here is an overview of the recommendations that can help detect diseases and prevent serious infections, according to WebMD.
Shingles vaccination
Healthy adults aged 50 and older are recommended to receive two doses of the Shingrix vaccine, given two to six months apart.
The vaccine is also recommended if you have previously received Zostavax or if you do not remember whether you have had chickenpox.
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Annual flu vaccine
Older adults should be vaccinated against influenza every year.
People over the age of 65 can ask their doctor about the available vaccines to ensure better protection.
Pneumococcal vaccination
The risk of pneumonia, bloodstream infections and meningitis caused by pneumococcal bacteria increases with age.
Adults over 65 and other people with certain risk factors should talk to their doctor about the appropriate vaccine.
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Tetanus and diphtheria booster
If you have never received the Tdap vaccine as an adolescent or adult, you should get it.
After that, a tetanus and diphtheria booster is recommended every 10 years.
Colorectal cancer screening
Most men and women should be screened for colorectal cancer from the age of 45.
Some tests can detect both cancer and polyps, while others only detect cancer. During a colonoscopy, a doctor can remove polyps before they develop into cancer.
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Diabetes screening
Screening for type 2 diabetes should begin no later than age 45 and be repeated every three years.
More frequent testing may be necessary for people who are overweight or have prediabetes, abnormal test results or a family history of diabetes.
Different tests for diabetes
A doctor may recommend an A1c test, which shows the average blood sugar level over the previous two to three months.
Other options include a fasting blood glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test.
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Bone density testing
Bones can become more fragile with age.
Women aged 65 and older, as well as younger women and men at increased risk of osteoporosis, may be advised to have a DXA scan of the hip and spine.
Regular eye examinations
After the age of 50, a comprehensive eye examination is recommended every two to four years.
After age 55, an examination may be necessary every year, especially for people with diabetes or those who experience changes in their vision.
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Blood pressure checks
High blood pressure is common among older adults. Blood pressure should therefore be checked every year.
If you are overweight or have a systolic blood pressure reading above 120, your doctor can help develop a follow-up plan.
Cholesterol testing
A blood test can measure total cholesterol as well as good and bad cholesterol.
Too much cholesterol can cause deposits to build up in the blood vessels, increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Mammograms
The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms from age 45 and mammograms every two years from age 55.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening every two years from age 50 and not after age 75.
Cervical cancer screening
Women can have a Pap test every three years, an HPV test every five years or both tests every five years.
Screening can continue after age 65 if abnormal cells have previously been detected.
PSA test for men
A PSA blood test can be used to screen for prostate cancer. However, the test can raise suspicion of cancer even when the disease is not present.
Men should therefore talk to their doctor about their risk and whether the test is appropriate for them.
This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.