Healthy ageing and screening tests

Dr Th Dhabali Singh *

World Health Organisation (WHO) defines “healthy ageing” as the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age. Functional ability is about having the capabilities that enable all people to be and do what they have reason to value.

This includes a person’s ability to:
* meet their basic needs;
* to learn, grow and make decisions;
* to be mobile;
* to build and maintain relationships; and
* to contribute to society.

AGEING AND DISEASES

As we age, the risk of developing certain conditions and diseases increase. By understanding these conditions and being aware of how they may affect you, you can be proactive in staying healthy. You may be more informed when talking to your health care providers about your health concerns. It is never too late to take charge of your health by developing healthy habits and getting regular screening tests for common health problems.

Screening tests include self-checks, clinical exams, nonlaboratory tests (such as imaging tests), and laboratory tests. It is easy to take these tests for granted but their power to keep you healthier longer should not be underestimated.

GENERAL SCREENING TESTS THE AGED POPULATION

Several major health organisations recommend routine health screenings for some conditions and diseases. Getting routine tests performed even though you have no symptoms can help detect problems early and help you benefit from easier and more effective treatment.

It can sometimes even prevent disease. The following are the common tests for older people:

* BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK: One in every three adults has elevated blood pressure (BP), which is commonly known as hypertension. Hypertension is often a “silent killer” because symptoms may not show up until it’s too late. It increases your chances of stroke or heart attack. That is why it is essential to have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

* BLOOD TESTS FOR LIPIDS: Healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels decrease your risk of a heart attack or a stroke. If blood test reveals a higher-than-normal values for the tests in the lipid profile or panel, your doctor may recommend an improved diet, lifestyle changes, or medications to reduce them.

* BLOOD SUGAR: Untreated diabetes can destroy your health, causing heart disease, kidney failure and blindness. Get a blood sugar fasting test or other screening tests for diabetes or pre-diabetes at least once every three years to take control of diabetes early.

* COLORECTAL CANCER EXAM: A colonoscopy is a test where a doctor uses a camera to scan your colon for cancerous polyps. A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue. A colorectal cancer is highly treatable if caught early.

* BONE DENSITY SCANS: Older people are often at risk for developing osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women. A bone density scan measures the bone mass, which is a key indicator of bone health. Regular bone scans are recommended for people older than 65 years, especially in women.

* VITAMIN D TEST: Vitamin D helps protect the bones. It may also defend against heart diseases, diabetes and some cancers.

* THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE (TSH) TEST: Sometimes the thyroid, a gland in your neck that regulates our body’s metabolism, may not produce enough hormones. This may lead to sluggishness, weight gain and body aches. A simple test like TSH can check whether the thyroid is properly functioning or not.

* MAMMOGRAM: Not all doctors agree on how often a women should undergo a mammogram or breast examination. Some believe that once every two years is the best. If there is a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend an annual screening.

* PAP SMEAR: Older women need regular Pap smear and pelvic exam. Pap smears can detect cervical cancer. Combining a Pap test with a human papilloma virus (HPV) test can safely extend the interval between cervical cancer screenings from three years to five years in women who are in the age group 30 to 65 years.

* PROSTRATE CANCER SCREENINGS: Prostrate cancer can be detected either by a digital rectal exam or by measuring prostate specific antigen (PSA) in your blood.

* EYE EXAM: It is usually suggested that adults get their eyes checked at the age of forty. After the assessment, the doctor will decide when follow-ups are needed.

* HEARING TEST (AUDIOMETRY): Older people are at a risk for developing hearing loss. It is recommended that an audiometry test be done at least once every two years to assess the hearing ability.

Two panels of tests are frequently used for general health screenings:

* COMPLETE HAEMOGRAM (OR COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT): This panel screens a number of conditions like anaemia, infection, iron deficiency or bleeding disorders.

* COMPLETE METABOLIC PANEL: This panel is a combination of tests/panels to screen for liver diseases, kidney diseases, electrolyte and acid/base balance.

CONCLUSION:

Medical screening tests are gifts that keep on giving – you will enjoy better health and you may add years to your life. So, make a note to visit your doctor each year around your birthday. These visits only take an hour or two of your time, and the results can be priceless.