As people age, they often develop more health issues and need to see the doctor more frequently. But how often should seniors see the doctor? Is there a standard recommendation?
The answer varies depending on a senior’s specific health situation. In general, though, it is recommended that seniors see their doctor at least once a year for a wellness visit. During this visit, the doctor can check for any new or worsening health problems and update the senior’s vaccinations.
If seniors have multiple chronic health conditions, they may need to see the doctor more often. The best way to determine how often a particular senior should see the doctor is to talk to their primary senior care physician.
How Often Does the Average Senior Visit the Doctor?
On average, American seniors visit the doctor 4 times per year. However, this number can be higher or lower depending on the individual’s specific health situation. For example, some seniors with multiple chronic health conditions may need to see the doctor more than once a month, while others who are healthy may only need to go once every few years.
Whether or not someone visits the doctor frequently as they age can depend on many factors, including their location and health insurance situation. But, in general, it is still recommended that seniors see their doctor at least once a year for a check-up to get their blood work done and urine samples taken. It is a great way for doctors to catch any issues early on and administer treatment efficiently and effectively.
How Often Should a Senior Get a Physical?
If you are in your 60s or 70s, you may be wondering how often you should be getting a physical workup done by the doctor. There is no rule set in stone for this. However, it is generally recommended that seniors get a physical at least once a year.
Upon visiting a doctor for their routine physical, they should expect to have a discussion about their overall health, medications they are taking, any recent illnesses or hospitalizations, and lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking. The doctor will also perform a physical examination, which may include checking vital signs, measuring height and weight, listening to the heart and lungs, and examining the skin. Depending on the results of these tests and discussions, the doctor may order further diagnostic tests or prescribe medication or other treatment.
What Medical Tests Do You Need at 65?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the medical tests someone may need at age 65 will depend on their individual health and medical history. However, some common tests that are often recommended for seniors include screenings for colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Other tests that may be recommended include a Pap smear, bone density test, cholesterol test, eye test, and dental exam. Ultimately, it is essential to discuss with your doctor what medical tests are right for you at age 65.
Why Many Seniors Don’t Visit the Doctor Enough
There are many reasons why some seniors don’t visit the doctor enough. One reason is that they may not have any health concerns and think they don’t need to go. Others may not be able to afford to see the doctor or may not have transportation to get to their appointments. Some seniors may also not feel very comfortable going to the doctor or may not have a good relationship with their physician.
What Do You Do if You Haven’t Been to a Doctor in Years?
When seniors don’t visit the doctor enough, it can lead to a lot of health problems down the line. In addition, untreated health problems can lead to hospitalizations and complications, so seniors should frequent their doctor every few months.
If you haven’t been to the doctor in years, the simplest thing to do is to find a new primary care physician and schedule an appointment with them. They will then complete a full check-up to assess your health and perform all of the necessary tests. Once they have a baseline health assessment for you, they can recommend any treatment you may need.
Conclusion
If you are a senior citizen, it is vital to stay on top of your health by seeing the doctor regularly and keeping up to date with treatment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get back on track with your health!
FAQs
For most older adults, though, it's a good idea to have at least one medical checkup a year. At that visit, a provider can review medications, check on health concerns, talk about lifestyle topics and go over recommended tests.
How often should older adults have a physical exam? ›
In general, though, it is recommended that seniors see their doctor at least once a year for a wellness visit. During this visit, the doctor can check for any new or worsening health problems and update the senior's vaccinations.
How often should a 70 year old have a blood test? ›
The American Diabetes Association recommends that a fasting blood sugar test be done at least once every 3 years so you can catch diabetes early and manage it. You may need the test done more frequently if you have other conditions or have other risk factors for diabetes.
How often should a healthy adult go to the doctor? ›
In general for both men and women, if you are in basically good health and under the age of 50, it is recommended you see your PCP every three years for a checkup. After age 50, see your doctor once a year.
Is it bad to not go to the doctor every year? ›
The recommendations regarding the frequency of routine checkups are based on your age, risk factors, and current health status. While opinions vary, routine checkups with your doctor are generally recommended as follows: once every 3 years if you're under the age of 50 and in good health. once a year once you turn 50.
How often should an 80 year old see a doctor? ›
The frequency of doctor visits may depend on factors such as health insurance and location. However, as a general rule, seniors should see a doctor at least once a year for a check-up including bloodwork and urine samples. This will help the doctor catch issues early and administer treatment before they progress.
How often should a 75 year old shower? ›
Seniors should bathe at least once or twice a week. This should be enough to prevent any skin conditions or infections. That said, body odor might still be a problem.
How often should a senior have a CBC? ›
Your doctor may recommend a CBC and BMP every year at your annual well visit. Other tests depend on your age, lifestyle and personal and family history.
How often should seniors check their blood pressure? ›
The American Heart Association recommends that adults, including seniors, measure their blood pressure at least once a year. However, for seniors with health conditions such as hypertension or heart disease, more frequent checks are advised, ideally once a month or as directed by their healthcare provider.
What age is considered elderly medically? ›
According to the World Health Organization, aging is commonly measured by chronological age. As a convention, a person over age 65 is often referred to as elderly. This is also the age when most people retire and start receiving a pension.
Don't Overdo It. Adults over 65 see doctors more than twice as often as 18-44-year-olds, according to the CDC. But there can be some risk in going to the doctor too often. Being around sick people in a hospital or clinic increases your risk of illness or infection.
What percentage of adults don't go to the doctor? ›
That may be why nearly four in 10 26–34-year-olds (38%) and 35–54-year-olds (39%) have not been to the doctor in the past five years. And only 43% of Black Americans polled reported doing so.
How often does the average American visit the doctor? ›
How Often Americans See a Doctor. The average American visits his or her doctor four times per year. On average, babies visit the doctor nine times per year and children between the ages of 5 and 15 visit the doctor two times per year.
What age do you stop going to the doctor? ›
Generally, your child definitely needs care from a pediatrician until they reach adulthood at the age of 18. However, most patients see their pediatrician up until the age of 21, at which time they transition to a family doctor or an internist – both of which are primary care doctors for adults.
What happens if I never go to the doctor? ›
Because you haven't been to a doctor in years, there's a good chance you've missed some routine preventive care, and you may not have an accurate picture of some of the key lab results that can form a clear picture of your health, such as your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, heart function, and more.
How often should you get a physical in your 70s? ›
For most older adults, though, it's a good idea to have at least one medical checkup a year. At that visit, a provider can review medications, check on health concerns, talk about lifestyle topics and go over recommended tests.
How often should older adults engage in physical activity? ›
For substantial health benefits, the guidelines recommend that most older adults participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or an equivalent combination of each per week.
How often should a 75 year old woman have a pelvic exam? ›
The answer is complicated, and varies by individual and situation. Typically, women ages 66 and older no longer need a routine Pap exam each year, as long as their previous three tests have come back clear. The benefits of a yearly gynecologist visit can extend far beyond a pap smear, though.
How often should older adults get their vision checked? ›
Seniors should get an eyeexam at least once every two years or more often if recommended. They should also schedule annual dilated eye tests. During the checkups, doctors can ask about lifestyle habits and smoking history.
How many minutes of physical activity is recommended for older adults? ›
In general, 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity can give similar health benefits to 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity. Most moderate intensity activities can become vigorous if you increase your effort. Examples of vigorous activities include: running.
