Can health screenings help you live longer and thrive? What are some valuable health screenings for older adults? Get answers to your questions and find out where to get screenings.
Keeping up with health screenings can help you stay ahead of common health risks. It’s one of the keys to wellness as you age. Getting regular health screenings and working with your doctor can help you stay well, stay independent, and enjoy your life. Here are some common questions and answers about health screenings.
What exactly is a health screening?
It’s any simple test that can help you catch a health condition early—or even just flag a risk you may have. It could be a blood pressure check to catch hypertension or a blood cholesterol test to tell you about your risk for heart disease, for example.
Do I need a screening if I don’t feel sick?
Yes, screening is a perfect fit for people who feel well. It’s a preventive process, designed to prevent you from becoming sick. Health screenings can help identify problems even before symptoms appear.
If I learn about a problem in a screening, will that make me healthier?
Yes, screening identifies an issue you and your healthcare provider can address before it grows into a bigger problem. This can help you achieve better outcomes and better health, now and for the future.
What are some valuable health screenings for older adults?
Many screenings target common conditions that don’t have noticeable symptoms. Screenings for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease risks are very common.
- For diabetes, a screening might check A1C in your blood. A1C builds a picture that shows if your blood sugar has been high over a period of three months. A reading below 5.7 is considered normal; a reading of 5.7-6.4% is called prediabetes; higher than 6.5% indicates diabetes. Finding out you have prediabetes can be valuable, as you can take proactive steps to keep it from progressing. You may even be able to reverse it. If you have diabetes, you’ll be able to start managing it right away and protect your health.
- For high blood pressure, the simple test is a blood pressure reading. To get an accurate reading, you should be “seated in a chair with your feet on the floor and your arm supported so your elbow is at about heart level,” explains Harvard Health. A blood pressure reading of 120/80 to 129/79 is considered elevated; a reading of 130/80 or higher is hypertension. Blood pressure changes frequently, so a diagnosis can’t be made based on one reading. However, a high reading is a flag that you and your healthcare provider can follow up on together.
- For heart disease, blood lipid (fat) tests are a mainstay. They can tell you if you have high cholesterol levels—and if so, which types. You can usually change cholesterol levels with diet, exercise, and/or medicines to reduce your risk and stay healthy.
To learn more about these common conditions, check out the video, 4 Common Health Conditions in Older Adults.
Where can I get health screenings in my community?
You can take advantage of screenings for many common health conditions at local health fairs, community centers, senior centers, pharmacies, and fitness clubs. Many screenings are available free or at a very low cost. Watch for announcements at your favorite spots, and take a few minutes to get screened.
Are there any health screenings that can only be done at a medical facility?
Yes, some require specialized equipment for imaging. For example, a DEXA bone density screening measures your bone density and your risk of having bone fractures. A mammogram creates images to check for signs of breast cancer. Lung cancer screening can help detect lung cancer at its earliest stages. A coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan for heart disease measures build-up in your arteries. It can identify your risk of having a heart attack so that you can take preventive steps now and stay healthy.
What is memory screening?
Memory screening is a quick and simple assessment of your cognitive wellness—how well you are able to think and remember. The idea is to flag anything out of the ordinary that might be worth evaluating further. There are several different tools for memory screening, so what is used could vary. Some brain changes are normal as you age. However, it’s natural to have questions about your cognitive wellness, and screening can help you get answers.
Where can I get a free memory screening?
Jenna Turner, the Dementia Outreach Specialist at CoAction, offers free, one-on-one memory screening. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit links on the Dementia Resources webpage to email or call Jenna. You can also explore memory screening at the Dementia Resource Fair on Sept. 19, 2025.
What about vision and hearing screening?
Both are important for older adults, as changes and problems are common. Addressing them can help you get the right treatment and/or assistive devices you need to thrive. Vision and hearing are important to help you stay social, stay safe, stay active, keep up your cognitive health, and age well. You may get screenings for vision conditions with your eye doctor and hearing with your regular provider or specialist.
Will a Medicare Wellness visit help?
The free, annual Medicare “Wellness” visit includes brief screenings for cognitive wellness, depression, risk of falls, and other common concerns. Your provider will also recommend specific screenings or tests for you based on your age, your gender, and your health history.
If a health screening suggests a problem, what’s next?
Work with your healthcare provider. It’s important to know that a screening is a nudge in a direction, not a diagnosis. Your provider will want to talk with you, gather more information, and possibly do more testing to develop a plan for you.
When it comes to aging well, think of health screenings as protection. Screenings can help you keep small problems small and get on with enjoying your life.