As men get older, the risks to their health change and, therefore, so do their required health checks.
In your 20s and 30s: At this age, the health checks will mainly focus on early detection of preventable illnesses and sexual health. Experts recommend regular sexual health checks, a blood pressure check every two years if your BP is normal, and a testicular self-check. Talk to your GP if you have a strong family history of any illness to begin early screening.
In your 40s: This is the time to pay conscious attention to your diet and exercise. At this age, the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiac complications increase. So, regular check-ups for BP, diabetes, and cholesterol become even more important. Get your circumference and BMI (body mass index) checked annually and also get an eye check for glaucoma.
In your 50s: Now prostate health becomes increasingly important; so does maintaining healthy bone strength. Make sure to maintain the regular check-ups you added in your 40s. Quit smoking. Eat healthy food and consult your nutritionist to get the right meal plan for you.
In your 60s: Make regular checks a part of your schedule. Add to them hearing tests, and more regular eye tests. Visit your GP at least once every three months for a routine check-up. When you visit your provider, bring either all of the pills you take, or a complete list of these that notes the doses you take, and how often you take them. Include medicines, vitamins, herbs and supplements (even those you buy OTC). The more medicines you take, the more likely you are to experience some side effects or interactions between different medicines. Be sure to get plenty of bone-healthy calcium and vitamin D daily. Get regular dental checkups as often as your dentist recommends, and at least once a year.
In your 70s and above: Along with regular checkups, make sure that you continue with your daily life activities like doing chores around the house, walking the dog etc. Remember that some activity is better than none. Spending time and doing things with other people, of all ages, can help keep you mentally, physically and emotionally fit. Take care of your teeth and continue with dental checkups. Your dentist should clean your teeth and check for cavities. If you wear dentures, they should check to make sure they still fit properly. Your dentist should also check for signs of diseases of the mouth, including cancer.