Health screenings and regular checkups are the best way for seniors to understand their overall health. While the words “screenings” and “tests” may cause anxiety or uncertainty for seniors, the reality is that most screenings are easily accessible in doctor’s offices.

A good place to start is by visiting your primary care provider and asking about the recommended screenings for older adults and seniors. A primary care provider familiar with your health history may identify specific risk factors and recommend appropriate screenings for prevention or diagnosis.

Are all health screenings necessary?

It’s often confusing when trying to decide which screenings are necessary and which ones are generally recommended by different associations or organizations.

The primary organization in the U.S. responsible for setting preventative standards is the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. This group of medical experts specialize in disease prevention and evidence-based medicine. However, you and your primary care provider can decide which screenings are appropriate for you. Be honest with your provider about your concerns or any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Certain diagnostic screenings, such as a mammogram or colonoscopy, are recommended for everyone after a certain age, especially if there’s a family history of breast or colon cancer. However, it’s easy to procrastinate and avoid screenings, especially if you’re feeling good and have no symptoms. Let’s look at the benefits of prioritizing health screenings.

• Screenings are preventive tools designed to give you and your healthcare provider additional information about your overall health. Additionally, your insurance may cover the costs of certain preventive screenings.
• Most screenings accommodate anyone’s schedule because they are recommended annually.
• If you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes or heart disease, screenings can provide your healthcare provider with a clear picture of the progression of your disease. By monitoring chronic diseases, you’re taking a proactive approach to managing your health.
• Basic screenings focus on important parts of the body such as the heart, lungs, skin, bones, digestive, and circulatory systems.
• Maintaining an active and vibrant lifestyle is important with each passing year. If you’re experiencing a new issue, screening may provide an explanation and help you determine an appropriate treatment plan.
• Most screenings are non-invasive and painless. Some are simple questionnaires while others may require you to wear a monitor to gather real-time data. Others may involve a diagnostic tool such as an X-ray or ultrasound. Many screenings can be completed in just a few hours, so fitting them into a busy schedule is possible—even for the busiest seniors!

Screenings for seniors over 65

The following screenings are specifically recommended for adults over 65:

• Bone density scans: Bones naturally become weaker and less dense with age, particularly for women more at risk for osteoporosis. A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan takes just minutes and can be performed in an office setting. This scan examines bone health and can aid in the diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening: Men over the age of 65, particularly smokers, are at a higher risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Screening for this condition is primarily conducted using ultrasound (U/S), which is the standard diagnostic imaging method.
• General exams: Eye, hearing, and dental exams should be scheduled yearly to make sure your senses are performing as well as possible. This is crucial for seniors whose independence can be at risk with each passing year.

Specific cancer screenings

In 2025, it is estimated that approximately 2,000,000 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the U.S.¹ While family history and genetics significantly contribute to cancer development, lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption further elevate the overall risk. Additionally, gender can also influence the likelihood of developing specific types of cancer. However, the statistics mentioned refer to all cancers combined rather than any particular type.

Breast cancer: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Beginning at 40, women should have cancer screenings every 1-2 years, depending on your family history and your healthcare provider’s recommendation. Screenings include mammograms and MRIs.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. The US Task Force now recommends that women have their first mammogram at age 40. Women over 55 should have cancer screenings every 1-2 years, depending on family history and healthcare provider recommendations. Screenings include mammograms and MRIs.

Colon and rectal cancers: Screening for these cancers can be performed in two different ways: a stool sample (Cologuard) or a colonoscopy, a procedure that involves using a scope to view the colon. Anyone over the age of 45 should consider colon cancer screening. Regular screenings are recommended every 10 years.

Lung cancer: The American Cancer Society has specific recommendations for lung cancer screening depending on age and smoking habits. If you have a history of smoking 1 pack of cigarettes per day for at least 20 years, it’s important to have a Low-Dose CT scan.

Prostate Cancer: Starting at age 50, men should be screened for prostate cancer. Certain factors, including family history and race, can increase the risk of developing this cancer. Research indicates that African American men are at a higher risk for prostate cancer compared to men of other races.⁶

Learn more about screening for cancer here.

General wellness screenings

Regardless of age, everyone should schedule an annual wellness exam that includes basic screenings to detect abnormalities. These screenings³ are routinely performed in a doctor's office. 

Blood pressure: Checking your blood pressure can easily be done at home with an electronic blood pressure cuff. Local pharmacies and community centers also offer free periodic screenings. Your blood pressure can provide key information regarding your risks for heart disease, hypertension, and stroke.

Blood glucose: While blood glucose (sugar) levels can be measured through a finger stick test, these point-of-care checks are used only to monitor individuals already diagnosed with diabetes. To screen for or diagnosed with diabetes, an A1C test is used instead. This test measures average blood sugar levels over the past three months and is the recommended tool for identifying diabetes.

Body Mass Index (BMI): Your body mass index, or BMI, is calculated using your weight and height. This screening tool is used to detect potential health issues, as it helps assess whether you have a healthy body weight for your height. Understanding your BMI is important because it can indicate whether you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, which are all factors that can influence your risk for various health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Cholesterol: Cholesterol is important to monitor in older adults due to its direct link to heart disease. A blood test called a lipid panel measures cholesterol levels. While high cholesterol often does not present any symptoms, it can be associated with conditions that do show symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, neuropathy, and peripheral vascular disease. Regular monitoring and management of cholesterol levels are crucial for preventing cardiovascular complications.

Vaccines and immunizations

While not considered screenings, vaccines and immunizations are important preventive measures for seniors. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best time of year to get a flu, COVID, and shingles vaccine.

Be proactive with screening

While visiting a healthcare provider and scheduling appointments can take time away from your schedule, remember that most screenings are recommended once a year. To stay motivated and consistent, here are a few tips to consider:

• Choose one time of the year to schedule all your screenings. Aim to take care of them all at once. A yearly wellness exam typically provides several screenings at one time, so be sure to visit a healthcare provider annually.
• Schedule a time and day that fits your schedule. Some screenings require fasting or medication changes, so be prepared to adjust your daily routine in advance of a screening visit.
• Keep your medical history handy. Include a list of current medications, health changes, and hospitalizations. This will make it easier for your healthcare provider to review your overall health.
• Be prepared to follow all the pre-screening instructions. Fasting, taking medications, or having someone drive you to your appointment are a few things to consider before having your screenings.

Content contained on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness or dietary plan. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement of any website or other sources. For any health-related questions, contact your healthcare provider.

• American Cancer Society, “Cancer Facts & Figures 2025,” last accessed Feb 20, 2025, https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2025/2025-cancer-facts-and-figures-acs.pdf
• Mayo Clinic Staff, “PSA Test Overview,” last accessed Feb 20, 2025, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/psa-test/about/pac-20384731
• Judith Ford, MD, “14 Important Health Screenings for Older Adults,” last accessed Feb 20, 2025, https://archwellhealth.com/news/14-important-health-screenings-for-older-adults/
• “Essential Health Screenings Every Senior Should Get to Stay Proactive and Healthy, Greater Good Health, last accessed Feb 20, 2025, https://greatergoodhealth.com/patients/essential-health-screenings-every-senior-should-get/
• SG Sazlina, “Health screening for older people—what are the current recommendations?,” last accessed Feb 20, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4567887/
• American Cancer Society, “Prostate Cancer, Prostate Cancer Information and Overview”, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer.html, last accessed Feb 20, 2025