Health is indeed wealth, especially as we age. It’s quite a well-known fact that as we grow older, our body becomes more susceptible to diseases. Therefore, it becomes even more crucial to keep a keen eye on our health. For women aged 65 and above in the UK, this is no exception. Regular health checks and screenings become an integral part of maintaining good health.
The National Health Service (NHS), the publicly funded healthcare system of the UK, recommends a series of tests and check-ups specific to women in this age group. These health checks aim at early detection and prevention of diseases such as cancer and heart conditions. Understanding these recommended tests can help you stay on top of your health.
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Blood Pressure Check
The importance of a blood pressure check cannot be overstated. Hypertension or high blood pressure often presents no symptoms but can lead to serious heart conditions or stroke if not managed.
The NHS recommends that everyone over the age of 40 should have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. However, for women aged 65 and over, these checks should become more frequent. It’s advisable to have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.
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These regular checks can detect hypertension early, allowing for necessary lifestyle changes or medication to manage the condition. Regular monitoring can also help to track the effectiveness of any treatment you may be undergoing.
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, with approximately one in three cases occurring in women aged 70 and over.
The NHS offers breast cancer screening to all women aged 50 to 70 every three years. However, women over the age of 70 are still at risk and are encouraged to continue with regular screenings.
To ensure you do not miss your screening, it’s crucial to self-refer every three years. Self-examination is also a helpful practice. Any changes in the size or shape of your breast, or a lump that wasn’t there before should prompt an immediate check.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer is another disease that poses a significant risk to women. Regular screenings, known as smear tests, can detect early signs of cervical cancer.
Women aged 25 to 64 in the UK are invited for cervical screening. After the age of 64, women who have had three consecutive clear tests are often not invited for further screenings. However, if you have not been screened since the age of 50, or have recently had abnormal results, you should continue to receive invites for a test.
These screenings are a preventative measure, helping to catch any changes in the cells of the cervix that could potentially develop into cancer.
Heart Health Checks
Heart diseases are a leading cause of death among women over 65 in the UK. Therefore, heart health checks play a vital role in the early detection and prevention of heart conditions.
Women aged 40 to 74 are invited by the NHS for a heart health check every five years. After the age of 74, you may request a health check yearly if you do not have an existing heart condition.
During the check-up, your healthcare provider will assess your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and diabetes. They will also discuss the necessary lifestyle changes or treatments to reduce your risk if needed.
Bowel Cancer Screening
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, and the risk increases with age. The NHS offers two types of bowel cancer screenings for adults aged 60 to 74 – a home testing kit every two years, and a one-off test called bowel scope screening at the age of 55.
For women over the age of 74, you can still request a home testing kit every two years. If you notice persistent changes in your bowel movements, consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Regular health checks and screenings are your strongest defense against diseases as you age. Staying proactive about your health can potentially save your life. So, be sure to make these health checks a part of your routine. Remember, early detection is the best prevention.
Prostate Cancer Screening
The risk of prostate cancer significantly increases as one ages. For UK women over 65, staying informed about their partner’s health is crucial. All men over the age of 50 are at risk of prostate cancer, and the likelihood of developing this condition increases with age.
The NHS recommends men over 50 to consider a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, which is a simple blood test that can be an early indicator of prostate cancer. While this test isn’t 100% accurate and doesn’t diagnose cancer, a high PSA level can be a first sign of a problem, prompting further investigation.
For women, it’s essential to encourage your partner to discuss this test with a health professional, especially if he has a family history of prostate cancer. Getting your partner in the habit of regular health checks can help with early detection and increase the chances of successful treatment if a problem is found.
Eye and Hearing Tests
While not disease-specific, regular eye and hearing tests are essential health checks for women over 65. As we age, our sight and hearing abilities can diminish, potentially impacting our quality of life.
The NHS provides free eye tests for UK residents over 60, and it’s recommended to have your eyes checked every two years. Regular eye tests can detect early signs of glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration, which are more common in older adults.
Hearing tests are also important as age-related hearing loss affects around 70% of people over 70. The NHS offers free hearing tests, which can be done at home, in a GP surgery, or at a local clinic. Early detection of hearing loss can help manage the condition more effectively and prevent further deterioration.
Ageing is a natural process that comes with its own set of health challenges. However, these challenges can be managed efficiently with regular health checks and early detection of potential health issues. Regular screenings for breast, cervical and bowel cancer, along with blood pressure and heart health checks, can play a significant role in maintaining good health and longevity. Prostate cancer screening for your partner and regular eye and hearing tests are additional checks that can greatly improve quality of life.
The NHS offers a range of services and tests catering to the specific needs of women over 65. It’s crucial to make the most of these services and stay informed about your health. Remember, while ageing might be inevitable, living a healthy and fulfilling life in our later years is within our control. Stay proactive, stay informed, and make regular health checks a part of your routine.