Aging WELL

Your health care needs change as you get older. While that is a pretty obvious statement, what’s less obvious is exactly what you should be doing to support your health through the years. While nothing can replace the guidance of your health care team, these are some rough guidelines to think about. Bring along this checklist to your next appointment and see which points you and your doctor think you may want to prioritize in this wonderful decade of your life!

by Amanda Harper

In Your 20s

• Every three years: pap smear and/or HPV screening

• Every six months: dental checkup

• Monthly: at-home breast exams and testicular exams

• Every 10 years: tetanus booster

• STI screening, as discussed with your doctor

• Annual skin checks to search for abnormalities and skin cancer

• Use a daily sunscreen to protect your skin and prevent early signs of aging!

• Get an eye exam every few years to check for certain conditions; more often if you need glasses, wear contacts or notice changes in your eyesight.

• If you’re a woman who plans to have children in the near future, discuss your plan with your ob/gyn. Adjust your contraceptives, vitamin intake/ diet and lifestyle according to their recommendations.

In Your 30s

•Every year: Annual checkup to evaluate your blood pressure and overall well being

•Every few years: cholesterol test (more often if you are at risk of certain cardiovascular conditions)

•If you have certain genetic markers, begin breast cancer screenings. This is part of a longer conversation with your health care team.

•If you don’t already, try adding weight lifting or resistance training to your fitness routine to prevent loss of muscle mass.

•Adjust your skincare routine to prevent or correct fine lines and increase overall brightness.

•If you are planning to have children in your 30s, discuss your plans with your doctor.

•Your fitness routine in your 30s should focus on building a strong core. You also want to follow the American Heart Association’s recommendations for your cardiovascular health (get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity with moderate muscle-strengthening activity at least twice a week).

In Your 40s

•Mammograms according to your doctor’s recommendation

•Diabetes screening if you have certain risk factors

•Discuss family history for prostate and/or colon cancer with your doctor to determine if screenings are appropriate.

•Discuss menopause with your doctor and make a game plan for this transition.

•Add collagen powder to your diet to help preserve your skin’s elasticity.

•Adjust your makeup routine to brighten any features that have changed as you’ve aged.

•Adjust your diet according to your doctor’s recommendations.

•Noticing some hair loss? In addition to genetic predisposition, your hair loss could be caused by certain conditions, so it’s important to discuss this with your doctor – and to address it.

In Your 50s

• Every two years: mammogram and/or breast MRI

• Every few years: colon cancer screening

• Get your shingles vaccine!

• Get regular blood screenings to check your kidney health, iron levels and other important health markers. Discuss lung cancer screenings with your doctor, especially if you are a current/former smoker or have a family history of lung cancer.

• Ensure your exercise routine includes lots of walking and lowimpact activities to keep you feeling your best without putting unnecessary strain on your joints.

• If you don’t already use daily moisturizers (face and body), add those to your skincare routine now. If you’re still noticing dry skin, consider finding a moisturizer that works better for your needs.

• Adjust your makeup routine to account for your current skin; products you used in previous decades may not work as well now.

• Going gray? Your hair’s texture is probably quite different than before. Adjust your haircare routine accordingly.

• Talk to your doctor about your sexual health. This decade can bring on a lot of changes in this department, so don’t be embarrassed to ask!

• Talk to your doctor about what vitamins and supplements may be appropriate for you.

In Your 60s

•Every year: annual eye exams to screen for certain eye conditions and to check your vision, which will change frequently as you age

•Discuss bone density testing with your doctor, especially if you are a woman.

•Beginning at age 65, get your pneumonia vaccines.

•Beginning at age 65, discuss with your doctor whether pap smears and other frequent screenings are needed going forward.

•Adjust your diet according to your doctor’s recommendations. You may want to increase your fiber intake.

•Make new friends. You’re most likely at a new phase in your life. Developing friendships and forming new connections at this stage is especially important to your well being!

This List Builds.

Don't think that just because you've aged up a decade, that you get to skip all the healthy stuff you were already doing. These recommendations are cumulative!

When you're 70+

•Every year: Get your flu shot

•Every two years: colon and bowel cancer screenings

•Adjust your fitness routine to your physical condition, bearing in mind your joint health. You may need to pay special attention to your balance and the muscles that help support your stability.

•Make regular appointments to see your primary care physician per their recommendations. Keep a list of your concerns between visits to ensure you can discuss each issue. Topics that should be regularly discussed include your heart health, overall mood, memory, bowel health, hearing, fall risk and regular screenings.

•Adjust your diet per your health care team’s recommendations.

•Enjoy your amazing life! •