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                            Seniors & Elderly

               "Together in the Journey of Ageing with Dignity."

 

                          Preventive Care for Seniors

As your risk for health issues increases with age, preventive care also becomes more important. A 2022 report found that COVID-19 had a significant impact on cancer screenings for seniors. Screenings for all types of cancer fell sharply, especially in several underserved racial groups.
The U.S. Preventive Task Force, an expert federal panel, created guidelines to inform the public about needed vaccinations, screening tests and general health advice for preventing disease.

The following methods of disease prevention are especially important for older adults:

Stay Vaccinated

Influenza Vaccine: This vaccine is acquired yearly and helps prevent the flu. About 70% to 90% of deaths from influenza occur in patients 65 and older. Seniors undergoing cancer treatment should speak with their doctor to ensure they can receive the vaccine.

Pneumococcal Vaccine: The PPSV and the PCV13 vaccines help prevent pneumonia. For older adults, pneumonia can be a major life-threatening complication, especially in patients with cancer.

Get Screened for Cancer

Annual Exams: Cancer screenings are one of the simplest and most affordable ways of preventing cancer. Inform your physician if you’ve been exposed to toxic substances such as asbestos or have a high incidence of cancer in your family.

Breast Cancer Screening: Over 40% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women 65 and older. Mammograms are recommended every two years for women between the ages of 50 and 74, but your doctor may recommend more frequent exams if you are at a higher risk due to genetic factors.

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Adults over the age of 70 make up over 60% of all new colorectal cancer cases. Recommendations for colorectal cancer screenings include various exams from fecal testing to colonoscopies performed yearly from ages 50 to 75.

Rule Out Common Diseases

Hypertension Screening: The risks and dangers of high blood pressure increase with age. Your physician will check your blood pressure levels every office visit and during your yearly wellness exam.

Diabetes Screening: Diabetes can lead to multiple complications and is common in older adults. One-fourth of people 65 and older are diagnosed with diabetes and the risk increases with obesity and genetic factors.

Cholesterol Screening: High cholesterol, called hypercholesterolemia, can lead to heart disease and stroke. Cholesterol levels in your blood should be checked during your yearly wellness exam starting at age 35.

Stay Vaccinated

Influenza Vaccine: This vaccine is acquired yearly and helps prevent the flu. About 70% to 90% of deaths from influenza occur in patients 65 and older. Seniors undergoing cancer treatment should speak with their doctor to ensure they can receive the vaccine.

Pneumococcal Vaccine: The PPSV and the PCV13 vaccines help prevent pneumonia. For older adults, pneumonia can be a major life-threatening complication, especially in patients with cancer.

Screenings and checkups are readily available and effective ways of preventing cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, even if you are checked only once per year. Caregivers can also make this process easier by scheduling appointments and arranging transport.

If you have difficulty making it to your doctor’s office due to health or transportation concerns, call your health care providers and ask what services are available for getting to the office. In many cases, they will contact your health insurance to establish assistance in making it to your visits.

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