Over 50? These Essential Health Screenings and Vaccines Should Be on Your Radar

Hitting the age of 50 is a major milestone that necessitates a greater emphasis on preventative health. It is no longer fine to simply focus on current ailments.

Over 124 million Americans are age 50 or older. While turning 50 is just a number in theory, it is also when many people put a greater emphasis on preventative health screenings. Rather than just visiting the doctor when something is acutely wrong, it is more important to make preventative health and the associated screenings and vaccines the cornerstone of your approach to a healthy lifestyle.

This starts with establishing a health care team that makes you feel comfortable and listened to. Most healthcare providers will recommend an annual wellness check in addition to the age-related screenings and diagnostic tests.

Your family history plays a large part in your overall health prognosis. For instance, a family history of osteoporosis may necessitate a bone screening test earlier in life. The results gleaned from these types of screenings can help healthcare providers recommend a preventative plan based on genetic predispositions.

Read on for what you need to know about taking care of your health once you reach the half-century mark.

Stay on Top of Vaccines

In addition to the annual influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, there are a few extra immunizations that should be added to your list once you turn 50. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacterial organism that triggers conditions such as pneumonia, sinusitis, and meningitis.

Doctors also recommend getting the shingles vaccine once you turn 50. The two-dose series is administered two to six months apart, protecting people from the painful rash that emerges when the chickenpox virus is reactivated.

Cancer Screenings

You are already behind if you are 50 and have not had a colonoscopy or mammogram. While colorectal cancer screening had originally been recommended at age 50, the recent surge in cases in younger people has prompted doctors to change the recommended first colonoscopy age to 45. A normal screening means that you will likely not have to be seen again for another 10 years.

The recommended age for a first mammogram for women is 40 years old. This means that you should be in the habit of getting these annual breast cancer screenings by the time that you turn 40. Depending on risk factors and other preferences, many women stop mammogram screenings at about age 75.

Miscellaneous Diagnostic Screenings

In addition to the crucial vaccinations and cancer screenings, there are several other potential issues that should be checked for as you reach the half-century mark. A bone density test will determine your risk of fractures as you age. Although most doctors recommend that women begin these screenings at age 65, your healthcare provider may recommend you start these diagnostic tests earlier if you have certain risk factors. Men are not as susceptible to bone density issues; however, some doctors may recommend a screening if a medical condition puts you at a higher risk of fractures.

All people over the age of 50 should pay close attention to their cholesterol levels. While cancer tends to steal all of the medical headlines, heart disease is actually the number one killer in the U.S. Knowing your cholesterol levels will help your healthcare provider determine if you should start medicines to lower the risk of developing heart disease.

Hearing loss and vision issues are a normal part of the aging process. While you cannot prevent these senses from declining entirely, you can stay on top of the progression and mitigate the impacts. For instance, a routine hearing screening will help determine if further treatment or aid is necessary.

In that same vein, an ophthalmologist can screen for eye issues such as glaucoma and cataracts. This is important, as glaucoma can lead to blindness further down the road if not treated.

Staying on Top of Mental Health and Cognitive Function

While you are tending to your physical health, do not neglect to take care of your brain health as well. It is not unusual to experience mood changes as you age, particularly in women going through menopause. Many women simply chalk this up as an inevitable effect of aging; however, some treatments can help you get through this phase without as many mental health impacts

Cognitive health decline is another natural side effect that comes with getting older. There is no routine screening at age 50 to determine if you are at a higher risk of developing dementia or another type of cognitive decline. However, going over a personal health history with a doctor and simple memory and thinking skills assessments can provide guidance about a future threat that should be taken seriously.

Timely screenings can provide a clearer picture of where your health is today and what it might look like a few years down the road. When it comes to your health, an ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure.

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