As we get older, many of us become committed to taking better care of ourselves and boosting our health and fitness. But it can be difficult to know exactly what condition our bodies are in – and whether we’re at risk of developing certain diseases.
While spending time and money making sure our cars don’t break down is normal, we don’t always do the same for our bodies. Yet, investing a bit of time to undergo routine health checks can not only reassure us that we’re in good health, but also has the potential to save lives.
Because age is a risk factor for many health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and many forms of cancer), it can be helpful to learn more about the different health checks that are recommended for people over 50.
Of course, health tests being available doesn’t always mean they’ll always be the right choice for you. But knowing which tests are out there can help us make informed decisions about our health and feel confident that we’re taking the right precautions.
With that said, here are 11 important health checks for over 50s.
1. NHS health check
For a general health check, a free NHS Health Check is available to all people aged between 40 and 74 who don’t have certain pre-existing conditions. If you fit these criteria, you should be invited to an NHS Health Check by your GP or local council every five years.
During the check, you’ll have your cardiovascular risk calculated and explained. This will help you understand how likely you are to develop conditions related to your heart or circulation, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and kidney disease.
You’ll also be advised on how to protect yourself against these diseases – and if you’re over 65, the common signs and symptoms of dementia will also be explained to you.
The NHS Health Check can help identify potential health problems before they cause lasting damage. This study found that up to 8,400 heart attacks and strokes were prevented because people had the NHS health check, so it’s well worth taking advantage of.
To find out more, head over to the NHS website.
Note: The NHS Health Check is only available in England. Find information regarding general health checks in Scotland on NHS 24, Northern Ireland on HSC Online, and Wales on NHS Wales.
Free NHS eye tests plus 10% off glasses for over 60s
Booking an appointment online has never been easier, and with a range of offers from 10% off if you’re over 60, 2nd pairs half price & a free NHS eye test if eligible, our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer vision.
2. Eyesight checks
Eye tests aren’t only about whether you might need glasses or a new lens prescription – they’re also an important way to spot the early signs of health issues you might not be aware of.
For example, diabetes can lead to retinopathy, which causes long-term damage to eyesight. If your blood sugar levels are too high for a prolonged period, the delicate blood vessels in your eyes can become damaged. But opticians should be able to spot any signs of this during a routine eye test.
Eye tests can also spot the early symptoms of glaucoma, which is the second most common cause of blindness in the world. Glaucoma can affect anyone, but people aged 60 and over are more at risk, and early diagnosis can increase the chances of protecting your sight.
Age-related macular degeneration (which causes blurred vision in the middle of your eyes) is another condition that can be spotted during a routine eye test. You can find more information on glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and other eye conditions in our article: 10 age-related eye problems you should know about.
To make sure you’re protecting your eyes as much as possible in day-to-day life, you might also find it helpful to read our article: 9 ways to keep your eyes healthy. And to book an eye test, head to the Boots Opticians website.
3. Cholesterol testing
Cholesterol is a type of fat that can build up in the arteries and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks, atherosclerosis (narrowed arteries), and strokes. Knowing whether or not your cholesterol is high and, if it is, taking steps to control it, can add years to your life.
It’s important to remember that there are no symptoms of high cholesterol levels, so you may not know you have it. The only way to be sure is to have a cholesterol test, which your GP should invite you to every five years if you’re between 40 and 74 as part of your NHS Health Check. If you already take medication to reduce your cholesterol, you should have a cholesterol check at least once a year.
You can measure your cholesterol with a blood test at your GP surgery. If you have high cholesterol, you can take steps to lower it yourself by eating a healthy diet containing plenty of fruit and veg, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.
For inspiration, check out our fitness and exercise section. Or, why not sign up for a virtual fitness class on Rest Less Events?
4. Bowel cancer screening
In the UK, bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and most people diagnosed are over 50. For this reason, everyone who’s registered with a GP and aged between 54 and 74 is entitled to a bowel cancer screening test kit every two years. And the programme is gradually expanding to make it available to those aged 50 and above.
While bowel cancer screening doesn’t actually diagnose cancer, it can identify potential issues before any symptoms appear. According to the NHS, detecting bowel cancer at its earliest stage can make you nine times more likely to receive successful treatment.
However, NHS research also revealed that one-third of people who were sent the screening kit didn’t complete it. Therefore, the NHS has launched a campaign to encourage people not to put the test off and to send it in as soon as possible – as it could save your life.
The bowel screening test kits can be completed quickly and easily from the comfort of your home. A faecal immunochemical test kit (FIT kit) is sent in the post and invites participants to send their stool sample to a lab for analysis. You should have the results within about two weeks, and if there are any abnormal results, you’ll likely do some follow-up tests.
While the exact cause of bowel cancer is unknown, studies show that diets high in red or processed meat can increase the risk. Smoking, drinking, and obesity are also thought to be risk factors.
To learn more about bowel cancer screening, read our article: NHS bowel cancer screening – the at-home test that could save your life. And for more information on improving the health of both your gut and bowels, you might like to read our article: 7 ways to improve gut health.
Free NHS eye tests plus 10% off glasses for over 60s
Booking an appointment online has never been easier, and with a range of offers from 10% off if you’re over 60, 2nd pairs half price & a free NHS eye test if eligible, our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer vision.
5. Osteoporosis scan
Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones and makes them prone to fracture.
Your likelihood of developing osteoporosis depends on various factors, including how much calcium your bones have acquired over the years, how much you exercise, whether you drink much alcohol or smoke, and whether you’re underweight.
Because decreased oestrogen levels can lead to bone loss, research shows that post-menopausal women are more likely to develop osteoporosis.
If you believe you might be at risk of developing osteoporosis, you should speak to your GP. They may recommend that you get a DEXA scan, which is a painless and non-invasive X-ray that measures bone density.
You can also learn more about protecting your bones in our article: 9 ways to improve bone health. Or, to find out more about osteoporosis, have a read of our article: Osteoporosis: symptoms, treatment, and prevention. For more information on taking care of your bone health, head to the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) website.
6. Breast cancer screening
Around one in seven women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer at one point in their lives.
Most women receive their first invitation to attend a breast screening around the age of 50. This screening then continues every three years until you turn 71. However, you can still request a screening every three years after this time.
Breast cancer screening is called a mammogram. It involves an X-ray of each breast, and the results will be sent to you and your doctor within two weeks. Breast screening can pick up the first signs of breast cancer, and as the NHS emphasises that the earlier the cancer is found, the better the chances of surviving it are.
To find out more, you can head over to the NHS website. You can also read about the importance of checking your breasts at home in our article: Breast cancer – symptoms, causes, and how to check your breasts at home.
Free NHS eye tests plus 10% off glasses for over 60s
Booking an appointment online has never been easier, and with a range of offers from 10% off if you’re over 60, 2nd pairs half price & a free NHS eye test if eligible, our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer vision.
7. Blood pressure check
Blood pressure checks are one of the most common health tests, and they’re incredibly important. Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood within the arteries.
High blood pressure – also known as hypertension – can weaken your heart, damage your arteries, and increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease as a result.
Because there are no clear symptoms of high blood pressure, the only way to know whether you have it is to have your blood pressure taken. Luckily, this is quick and painless. Normal blood pressure ranges from 90/60 to 120/80, and if your blood pressure is high (140/90 or more) for several weeks, your GP will probably diagnose you with high blood pressure and discuss ways to lower it.
The most convenient way to check your blood pressure is to book an appointment at a local pharmacy – you can find your nearest one on the NHS website. If you have to take regular blood pressure readings, it may be worth buying a blood pressure machine: you can buy these online from Amazon, or from pharmacies like Boots.
Generally, treatment to lower blood pressure includes making lifestyle changes like exercising more and changing your diet. If these don’t work – or if your blood pressure is unusually high – you’re likely to be prescribed medication.
8. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening
An abdominal aortic aneurysm screening checks whether there’s any swelling in the aorta, which is the central blood vessel that runs from your heart to your stomach.
If there is, this bulge or swelling is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and it can eventually burst, becoming dangerous if it isn’t spotted early on. There are often no symptoms of an AAA before it bursts, so a test could potentially save your life.
Aneurysms are more common in men than women, and for this reason, men over the age of 65 are offered screening for AAA in the UK. Screening isn’t usually offered to men under 65 or women, though if you think you need AAA screening, you can request it.
Smoking is the biggest risk factor for aneurysms, though high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and genetics can all increase the likelihood of developing an aneurysm, too.
The screening test is quick, painless, and involves taking an ultrasound scan of your stomach. You can find out more about AAA screening on the NHS website.
If you currently smoke and would like to stop, it’s worth checking out our 7 tips for quitting smoking.
9. Prostate cancer testing
In the UK, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It generally develops slowly, so there may be no symptoms for many years. The causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown, but the risk factors increase as you get older, and most cases are seen in men over the age of 50.
Prostate cancer becomes more common if you’ve had a father or brother affected by it, and obesity is also thought to increase the risk.
Symptoms of prostate cancer can include needing to urinate more frequently, having to rush to the loo, having difficulty urinating or taking a long time to pass urine, and feeling like your bladder hasn’t emptied fully.
However, it’s important to note that these can be symptoms of other conditions, too, and don’t necessarily mean you have cancer. There’s no single test for prostate cancer – the most common are blood tests, a physical prostate exam, an MRI scan, or a biopsy.
There’s currently no screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK. This is because the screening process isn’t always accurate. However, if you’re experiencing any symptoms of prostate cancer, or have a family history of it, you should speak to your GP about your options.
It’s also important to be aware that you’re entitled to a PSA test if you’re over 50 and have considered the pros and cons.
To find out more about prostate cancer testing, head to the Prostate Cancer UK website. Our article, Prostate health over 50 – signs and symptoms to look our for, also has some useful information.
10. Cervical cancer screening
Each year, around 3,300 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the UK. Since the cervical screening programme was introduced in the 1980s, the number of cases has dropped by around 7% each year.
Cervical screening can help to protect against cancer by spotting abnormalities which, if left untreated, could develop into cervical cancer.
People with a cervix aged 50 to 64 are offered an NHS cervical screening test every five years (though it’s first offered to those around age 25). Women over 65 aren’t usually invited for screening unless they haven’t been screened for several years or had any abnormal results in recent tests.
Test results are received within two weeks. Most are normal, but for around one in 20 women, the screening will show some abnormal changes (not necessarily cancerous) that require further investigation.
The highest risk factor for developing cervical cancer is previously being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV). Smoking and having a weakened immune system are also thought to increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.
To learn more about cervical screening, head over to the NHS website. Or, if you’re worried about cervical cancer screening as a result of menopause, you might find some reassurance in our article: 8 tips to make smear tests more comfortable after menopause.
11. Hearing checks
In the UK, around 40% of people over 50 will experience some form of hearing loss.
This is because, as we age, the tiny hair cells inside our ears become subject to wear and tear. Other factors, like regularly listening to loud noises or a family history of hearing loss, can also play a part. Hearing usually deteriorates gradually, which makes it difficult to pinpoint when the problems began.
You can book hearing tests with your GP. Alternatively, Boots Hearingcare offers a free hearing test. This 15-minute appointment includes a general check of ear health and a hearing test, where you’ll respond to a series of sounds played through headphones.
Your results will indicate any issues with your hearing and whether you should have a full hearing test. After the age of 50, it’s recommended that you book a hearing test at least every two years.
Final thoughts…
While it’s important to be aware of risk factors and to get any potential issues checked out as soon you notice them, when it comes to health, prevention is often better than a cure.
Many of the most common health problems and diseases can be avoided by making lifestyle changes, like giving up smoking, cutting back on alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Making sure you get regular exercise, eat plenty of fresh fruit and veg, and eat less sugary, processed foods also goes a long way in reducing the likelihood of developing certain diseases.
You can head over to our diet and nutrition and food and drink sections to find healthy eating tips, essential vitamin and mineral guides, and delicious, health-boosting recipes.
Or, if you need a dose of motivation to get moving, why not head over to our fitness and exercise section? You can also discover fun and varied virtual exercise classes on Rest Less Events.
Are you planning on getting any health checks booked in soon? Or have you had any tests or screenings done recently? Perhaps you have some health tips and advice you could offer to other readers? We’d be interested to hear from you in the comments below.