Adding life to our years is just (if not more!) important than adding years to our life. And regular health check-ups can help us achieve both – by catching conditions early and by telling us in good time whether or not we need to make lifestyle changes. Here’s a rundown of the most important ones, compiled with the help of leading health and life insurance comparison website Usay Compare.

What are preventative screenings

Preventive screenings are medical tests conducted to identify and monitor potential health problems before they progress into more severe diseases.

Common preventive screenings can include blood pressure checks, cholesterol levels, mammograms for breast cancer and colonoscopies for colorectal (bowel) cancer, among others. They might involve simple physical examinations, blood tests, imaging procedures, or more specialised tests depending on the disease being screened for.

Why are preventative screenings so important?

Regular screenings can help spot diseases early when they are most treatable, significantly improving outcomes and survival rates.

These tests also provide valuable insights into one’s health risks, allowing for proactive management of potential issues. By understanding any medical susceptibilities, they may have, those over 50 can make informed lifestyle changes and work with their GP to develop personalised preventive strategies.

What screenings should you get after 50?

The age of 50 marks a pivotal point in preventive healthcare, as many health risks tend to increase significantly beyond this age. The following are some recommended screenings for those over 50 in the UK:

Blood pressure check

High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other health issues. Regular screenings, often performed annually, can help manage and control blood pressure effectively. You can get these done at your local GP surgery or even in your local Boots pharmacy for free (provided that you meet certain conditions).

Cholesterol check

Increased cholesterol levels can contribute to heart disease. Starting from age 40 or earlier, cholesterol should be checked every five years, or more frequently if there are risk factors for heart disease.

Diabetes screening

Diabetes can lead to several complications if left unchecked, and diabetes is more common in the elderly population. Regular blood glucose tests can help identify pre-diabetes or diabetes early.

Bowel cancer screening

Some 94% of bowel cancer cases occur in those aged over 50. Currently, the NHS offers bowel screenings every two years to those aged between 60 and 74, so always make sure to keep on top of these appointments, especially as rescheduling them can mean being put on a months-long waiting list. 

Breast cancer screening

Mammograms are recommended for women aged 50 and over to detect breast cancer early; these routine screenings are available every three years on the NHS to women aged 50-70.

Osteoporosis screening

Bone density scans can be useful for women aged 65 and over, or post-menopausal women with risk factors, to detect osteoporosis. However, there is currently no national screening programme for osteoporosis in the UK. That being said, if your GP believes that you may have osteoporosis, you should be eligible for a DEXA scan, a screening used to detect the condition.

Going private with symptoms

While preventive screenings aim to catch health issues early in asymptomatic individuals, it’s important to remember that these screenings are not exhaustive. If you develop worrying symptoms like rectal bleeding, bloody stools, lumps, persistent pain or discomfort, unexplained weight loss, or any significant change in your health, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.

If you’re concerned about NHS waiting times in your area, health insurance for individuals over 50 can provide quick access to screenings and specialist consultations, often with shorter wait times – see the link at the end for more information.

This prompt response can be invaluable in identifying potential health issues, allowing for immediate intervention, and improving the likelihood of favourable outcomes when dealing with time-sensitive conditions. Some health insurance providers even often annual health checks, where you can get tested for 20 different health markers to assess your risk of diabetes, cholesterol, and gout, as well as your liver, kidney and bone health. Again, the link at the end will help you find a competitive quote for that.

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