Seniors' examination calendar - how to take care of your health after the age of 60, free examinations under the National Health Fund

Maturity is a time when we increasingly prioritize quality of life and well-being. It's a good time to consciously take care of our health and regularly check that our bodies are functioning as they should. Preventive health screenings help us maintain daily energy and give us a sense of control over our health.
Below, we present a CALENDAR OF EXAMINATIONS FOR PEOPLE 60+, which will help us plan preventative care throughout the year.

Examinations once a year - general check-up with a family doctor

The first step to recovery is a visit to your primary care physician, who will coordinate further diagnostics. It's worth considering:

• Blood count, ESR, CRP – general assessment of health and inflammatory processes,
• Fasting glucose – controlling the risk of type 2 diabetes,
• Lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides) – prevention of heart disease and stroke,
• General urinalysis – assessment of the urinary system (e.g. kidney function),
• Blood pressure and pulse measurement – ​​the basis for hypertension prevention.

Every 1–2 years – the heart under the microscope

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among older adults. It's worth considering:

• Resting ECG – assessment of heart rhythm and conduction.
• ECHO – if symptoms such as shortness of breath, leg swelling, heart palpitations occur.
• Carotid artery ultrasound – stroke risk control.

Additionally, it is recommended to measure blood pressure regularly at home – preferably twice a day, several days a month.

Preventive tests for neurological and memory diseases

After the age of 65, it's worth paying attention to cognitive function. In this case, your doctor may recommend:

• Thyroid tests (TSH, fT4) – hypothyroidism may mimic dementia.
• Vitamin B12 and folic acid – their deficiency affects the nervous system, e.g. memory.

Cancer prevention for seniors

Early detection of cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
Recommendations for people over 60, by gender:

Women:

• Mammography – every 2 years until the age of 74 – free of charge under the National Health Fund,
• Cytology – every 3 years or HPV HR test – every 5 years (or more often depending on the result) free of charge until the age of 64,
• Ultrasound of the reproductive organs and breasts – once a year.

Men:

• Prostate examination (rectal examination) and PSA test – once a year

Both:

• Colonoscopy – every 10 years
• Chest X-ray – every 2 years, especially in former smokers.
• Dermatoscopy – mole inspection once a year.

Bones, sight and hearing – the foundations of independence after the age of 60

• Densitometry (bone density test) – after the age of 65 for women, after the age of 70 for men; earlier if there is a risk of osteoporosis.
• Eye examination – every year (cataracts and glaucoma develop slowly but lead to irreversible changes).
• Hearing test (audiometry) – every 2–3 years; hearing loss can lead to social isolation and memory impairment.

Don't forget about your oral cavity

Regular dental visits (every six months) are not just a matter of aesthetics. Periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.

The Golden Rule of 3P: PREVENTION, MEASUREMENT, SERENITY

Regular checkups are an investment in your health and independence. Don't wait for symptoms—prevention is always cheaper and more effective than treatment. And good humor and social activity are the best additions to any medical calendar.

Research is one thing, but lifestyle is equally important. A Mediterranean diet, daily exercise (walking, Nordic walking, swimming), adequate sleep, and social contact are the best "medicines" for seniors.

Medical consultation:
Doctor Paulina Jeziorska,
Internist at CM Luxmed
Lublin, Orkana Street 7