Keeping a check on your health

You should have an assessment for CVD risk every two years unless your doctor already knows you are high risk.

KEY THINGS TO MONITOR AND SCREEN AS YOU GET OLDER.

Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes heart disease, stroke and blood vessel disease of the limbs (peripheral neuropathy). You should have an assessment for CVD risk every two years unless your doctor already knows you are high risk.

Your doctor may ask you questions and test your blood pressure and cholesterol as well as check for other health conditions.

High blood pressure

You should have a blood pressure test every two years, or six to 12 months, if you have a moderate risk of CVD and six to 12 weeks, if your risk is high. Apart from diet and exercise recommendations, other ways to prevent high blood pressure include: • maintaining a waist measurement of less than 94cm for men and less than 80cm for women • limiting salt to 5mg per day, or 4mg if you have high blood pressure

Cholesterol and lipids

It’s recommended you have your cholesterol and lipids checked every five years with a blood test, or every one to two years if you have a higher risk of CVD.

Type 2 diabetes

In your 60s, you should be tested every three years to see if you have type 2 diabetes, or every 12 months if you are at increased risk. Your doctor will organise a blood test to check your glucose level.

Stroke

If you are at high risk of a stroke, your doctor should assess you every 12 months.

The assessment may involve a series of questions and tests for CVD risk factors including atrial fibrillation.

Immunisation

The following vaccinations are advised for people in their 60s: • herpes zoster (shingles) — once, from 60 years old (available free on the vaccination schedule from ages 70 to 79) • influenza — each year, from 65 years old (available free on the vaccination schedule)

Kidney disease

Kidney disease should be assessed every one to two years if you are at high risk. Risk factors can be similar to CVD or could involve an injury to your kidney.

Your doctor may ask you a series of questions as well as checking your blood pressure and doing a urine test.

Breast cancer

A mammogram is recommended every two years for women at lower risk from breast cancer. Women at higher risk may have an individual program developed by their doctor.

You should be familiar with the look and feel of your breasts and should see your doctor straight away if you see or feel any unusual changes.

Skin cancer

If you are in your 60s, your doctor may check your skin even if you have an appointment for another reason. If you are at high risk for skin cancer you should have a complete skin check every six to 12 months. Ensure that you ‘slip, slop, slap, to protect your skin from future sun damage.

Cervical cancer

To test for cervical cancer, women should have a cervical screening test two years after their last Pap test. After that, if your result is normal they will only need to have the cervical screening test every five years.

Colorectal (bowel or colon) cancer

Every two years, it is recommended you have a test for bowel cancer using a Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), even if you have no symptoms or family history of bowel cancer.

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program will send you a free FOBT every two years. Depending on your results, your doctor may recommend that you have a colonoscopy.

Osteoporosis and fracture

Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose minerals and become more brittle, putting them at risk of fractures.

Your doctor may ask you screening questions every 12 months to assess your risk. If you are high risk or experience a fracture following a small bump or fall, this should be investigated further. Tests involve a simple scan with a machine, taking around 10 to 15 minutes. To help prevent osteoporosis, ensure you have 1,300mg of calcium per day. if you are a woman or 1,000mg per day, if you are a man.

Tooth decay and gum disease

You can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease by: • brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste • spitting out the toothpaste, not rinsing • using dental floss • limiting foods and drinks high in acid and sugar • visiting a dentist every 12 months, or more if required

Falls

When you are over 65, your doctor may assess your risk for falls every year, or every six months if you’ve already had a fall.

Vision and hearing

From 65, you should have a hearing test each year, and if you and your doctor think you need it, an eye test.

Dementia

Your doctor may suggest that you are assessed once you are over 65 if you have a higher risk or show symptoms of dementia.

Healthy lifestyle recommendations

Quit smoking Eat healthy Limit alcohol Be physically active – focus on strength, balance, flexibility exercises Keep your mind at peace