Top Health Screenings Every Senior Should Have After Age 65

Aging brings wisdom and experience, but unfortunately, it also brings higher health risks. While you can’t stop the clock, staying ahead of preventable illness is one of the best things you can do for your quality of life. That’s where regular health screenings come in.

At Tempe Primary Care, our team empowers adults aged 65 and older to take charge of their long-term wellness through personalized preventive care. Our practice is led by Family Nurse Practitioner Frank Rosenberg, MSN, FNP-C, an AHEC Scholar recognized for providing medical services to rural and underserved communities. With clinical training under physicians specializing in comprehensive family medicine, plus over 30 years of combined healthcare experience in emergency and trauma care, our team offers a high level of senior-focused care that blends compassion with evidence-based expertise.

What Screenings Do Seniors Need After Age 65?

The annual wellness visit becomes especially important after age 65, as your risk of certain conditions increases. During these visits, we may recommend the following screenings based on your age, sex, and health history:

• Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Checks: Monitor cardiovascular health and detect hypertension and high cholesterol early.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colonoscopy or stool-based testing is recommended every 10 years, or more often depending on your risk.
• Bone Density Scan (DEXA): Important for detecting osteoporosis, especially in women.
• Vision and Hearing Exams: Age-related decline in eyesight and hearing can impact independence and safety.
• Diabetes Screening: Fasting blood glucose or A1C tests to detect prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.
• Vaccinations: Including flu, shingles, pneumonia, and COVID-19 boosters.
• Cognitive Assessments: Early evaluation for dementia or Alzheimer’s symptoms.
• Depression Screening: Mental health is just as important as physical health.

Keeping up with these screenings ensures that issues are caught early, when they are most treatable.

Why Screenings Matter for Aging Adults

Preventive care isn’t just about catching disease. It’s also about preserving your independence, mobility, and quality of life as you age. Health screenings allow you to:

• Stay active longer: Early treatment helps manage chronic conditions.
• Lower healthcare costs: Preventing illness often costs less than treating advanced disease.
• Protect your mental health: Monitoring brain and mood changes helps maintain emotional well-being.
• Avoid unnecessary hospital visits: Regular check-ups reduce reliance on the emergency room.

When combined with routine care, screenings empower seniors to live healthier and more independent lives.

Stay Proactive About Your Health in Tempe, AZ

If you or a loved one is over the age of 65, don’t wait to prioritize your health. Call 602-283-0080 to schedule your wellness visit today.