Women's Health: 60s and Older
Health screenings, regardless of age, are important to keep track of your health. It is recommended that you visit your primary healthcare provider from time to time, even if
you feel healthy. The purpose is to assess your risk factors for future medical problems, screen for health issues, maintain a healthy lifestyle and help connect you with specialists when needed. Learn more about the screening guidelines for women
60 years old and above.
Heart Health
According to Go Red for Women, menopause may increase a woman's risk of heart disease and stroke. Because of this, it's important for senior women to closely monitor their heart health with regular visits to their primary care provider or a cardiologist. Schedule an appointment with a provider to discuss your cardiovascular health and get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked.
Blood Tests (Lipid Screening)
Cholesterol and lipid levels should be checked every five years with a blood test or 1 to 2 years if you are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The test measures the blood's total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels. High triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol may increase your risk of stroke and heart disease. Exercise and a healthy diet can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Before the cholesterol test, you will be asked to abstain from eating for 8 to 12 hours. You may drink water during this time. Speak to your physician if you are taking any medications. Women in their 60s should have their blood tested every three years to check their glucose levels and detect type 2 diabetes. The doctor may recommend exercise, diet and weight management programs to help prevent this disease.
Bone Density
Aging is a risk factor for osteoporosis, a condition when bones lose minerals and become more brittle, making them prone to fractures. Bone density scans are recommended for women ages 65 and older. The doctor may assess your osteoporosis risk every year by asking screening questions. A simple medical machine scan may follow if the doctor evaluates that you are high risk or you experience a fracture from a recent fall or small bump.
Mammograms
Women with low breast cancer risk should get a mammogram every two years. On the other hand, higher-risk women may be referred for a doctor-provided individual program. Ask your doctor about changes in your breasts that may need to be checked by a healthcare provider. Learn more about mammograms here:
Menopause
A woman’s menopausal transition usually starts between 45 to 55 years old. The duration can depend on the person’s lifestyle. Each woman experiences menopause differently. Menopausal symptoms can be uncomfortable for some women. You may experience changes in your period, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, loss of bladder control, and mood changes. Post-menopause is the stage after menopause when women are at an increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Discuss your symptoms, family medical history and preferences with your doctor so they may recommend a treatment plan. Visit your doctor annually to discuss your treatment options and other health-related concerns. After menopause, you will no longer get a period or get pregnant. See a doctor as soon as possible if you observe vaginal bleeding after menopause.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Women should get a primary human papillomavirus (HPV) test every five years up to age 65, starting at 25. If you are a woman over age 55 and have been getting normal cervical cancer testing results in the last ten years, you should not be further tested for cervical cancer. Once the testing stops, it should not be restarted.
Women diagnosed with cervical pre-cancer should undergo the test for at least 25 years after being diagnosed, even if the testing goes beyond 65 years old. A woman whose cervix has been surgically removed and is unrelated to cancer should not be tested. Some patients may require a different screening schedule for cervical cancer due to their health history.
Neurology and Brain Health
Age-related factors, mood disorders, injuries and other conditions can cause changes in the brain. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help you better keep track of the healthy habits you must maintain to keep your mind sharp. It is recommended that women 65 years old and above be screened yearly for memory problems. Some people with memory and thinking problems may have mild cognitive impairment. Still, they do not know this because the symptoms are not severe enough to affect daily activities. Mild cognitive impairment can be an early sign of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, as well as a symptom of depression, sleep problems, medical illness or medication side effects.