Staying healthy after 60 means keeping up with important medical tests. Think of these screenings as your early warning system – they catch problems before they become serious. Let’s walk through the key tests every woman should know about.
🩺 The Big Three: Cancer Screenings
Mammograms (Breast Cancer)
- Every 1-2 years through age 74
- Quick, potentially life-saving screening
Colonoscopy (Colon Cancer)
- Every 10 years starting around age 45 until 75 (or until your doctor says you can stop)
- Alternative: Stool test (Cologuard) every 3 years
- Yes, the prep is unpleasant, but colon cancer is highly preventable!
Skin Checks (Skin Cancer)
- Annual full-body check with a dermatologist
- Check yourself monthly for new or changing moles
💪 Bone Density Test (Osteoporosis)
Starting at 65, get tested every 2 years. This painless, 15-minute scan shows if your bones are weakening. Catching bone loss early means you can take medication or supplements to prevent fractures.
❤️ Heart Health Checks
Blood Pressure: Check every year (or more often if it’s high)
Cholesterol: Every 5 years, or annually if you have heart disease risk factors
These simple tests help prevent heart attacks and strokes – the leading causes of death in women.
🩸 Diabetes Screening (A1C or Fasting Glucose)
Test every 3 years if results are normal, more often if you’re pre-diabetic. Nearly 30% of women over 65 have diabetes, often without knowing it!
👁️ Eye Exams
Annual comprehensive eye exams check for:
- Glaucoma (can cause blindness)
- Macular degeneration
- Cataracts
- Diabetic eye disease
Medicare covers annual eye exams if you have diabetes or are at high risk for glaucoma.
💰 What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare covers most preventive screenings at no cost to you:
- Mammograms (yearly)
- Colonoscopy (every 10 years)
- Bone density (every 2 years)
- Cardiovascular screenings (every 5 years)
- Diabetes screening (up to twice yearly)
Note: Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental, vision, or hearing – consider a Medicare Advantage plan if you need this coverage.
🎯 Take Action Today
Don’t wait for symptoms. These tests find problems before you feel sick. Call your doctor’s office and ask: “Which screenings am I due for?”
Your health is your wealth – and staying on top of these screenings helps you enjoy more years of independence, travel, and time with loved ones. 💖
Keep a health folder with all your test results. Bring it to appointments so you and your doctor can track changes over time.
