Regular Screenings and Checkups Every Aging Man Should Have

As a man, you need to do everything you can to stay on top of your health. You should have regular screenings and checkups every year to ensure that you are in good health.

Screenings and Checkups in Your 40s

When you reach your 40s, there are several things that you will need to have checked.

Annual physical. You will need to see your doctor every year to check on your height, weight, blood pressure and any potential health issues.
Testicular cancer screening. Once a year, you will want to get your testicles screened for testicular cancer.
Prostate cancer. You should be checked yearly for prostate cancer. During the exam, your doctor will place a finger inside your rectum to see if your prostate is swollen and whether there are any issues.
Cholesterol testing. Your doctor will test your cholesterol every year. Both your good and bad cholesterol will be checked.
Diabetes. If you are over 45, you should have a diabetes screening to check for any signs of blood sugar issues.
Coronary disease screening. If you have a family history of coronary disease, your doctor may suggest stress testing and heart imaging to ensure your heart is functioning well.

Screening and Testing in Your 50s

When you are in your 50s, the following should be checked out:

An annual physical looking at your blood pressure and addressing any issues that you may have.
Testicular cancer screening. Your doctor will inspect your testicles for any lumps and signs of testicular cancer. You should be doing monthly self-exams as well.
Cholesterol testing. Your doctor will test your cholesterol at least once a year.
Diabetes. Your doctor will do a test to see if you have any issues with your blood glucose levels that could indicate diabetes.
Lipid disorders. Your doctor will test your blood for lipid disorders. If any are found, you will be placed on medication.
Electrocardiogram. In your 50s, you will need an annual electrocardiogram to ensure that your heart is functioning well.
Vision and hearing checks. You will need to have annual vision and hearing checks.
Colorectal cancer. By the age of 50, you will need to have a colonoscopy to rule out colorectal cancer. You may also have blood testing.
Depression. You will need to answer questions on your mental health to ensure that you are not depressed.

Screenings When You Are in Your 60s

There are several screenings and checkups that you will need when you are in your 60s.

Annual physical. Your doctor will see you at least once a year for an overall physical.
Prostate cancer. Your doctor will screen you for any signs of prostate cancer, including performing a prostate exam and asking you questions about your urine output.
Annual electrocardiogram. You will have an annual electrocardiogram to ensure that there is nothing wrong with your heart.
Osteoporosis screening. Your doctor will check you for any signs of osteoporosis. This may include having several different x-rays.
Carotid artery scan. When you are in your 60s, the carotid arteries in your neck will need to be scanned with an ultrasound. This can help to see whether or not those arteries are clogged.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. You will need to be screened for any signs of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Colorectal screenings. Depending on your previous colorectal screening results, they will need to be continued when you are in your 60s.

Checkups When You Are 70 and Up

The various screenings and checkups you should have when you are 70 and older include:

Annual physical exam checking your blood pressure and answering any health concerns you may have. This visit will require routine bloodwork as well.
Testicular cancer screenings. The testicular cancer screenings will continue, and you will need to do monthly self-exams to look for any lumps or swelling.
Electrocardiograms and heart checks. Your cardiovascular system will be checked frequently for any signs of issues. If you have heart problems, you will need to see your doctor frequently.
Vision and hearing. As you age, your hearing and vision may not be what they used to be. By having these screenings, you can stay on top of needing glasses or hearing aids.
Osteoporosis. Your doctor will continue to check you for osteoporosis each year.
Colorectal screening. Up until the age of 75, your doctor will continue colorectal screenings. After age 75, you can speak to your doctor, and they will check you out if needed.
Cancer screenings. Your doctor may recommend screening for skin cancer, oral cancer and other types of cancer.

Doing these checkups can help your doctor to find things that may be wrong with you early on. Some conditions, if left untreated, can lead to debilitating consequences and even death.