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As time passes, everything changes. Similarly, as age increases, the physical condition inevitably deteriorates and weakens over time, especially in “the elderly”, who are at an age where various organs in the body do not function at full capacity. There is degeneration and reduced strength, resulting in increased susceptibility to illness.
Therefore, “regular health check-ups” are very important for the elderly. Besides maintaining health within normal limits, it also helps monitor to prevent existing diseases from worsening, reduces the chance of complications, and even allows early detection of diseases. Treatment can then be easier and recovery faster.
<h2>What are common diseases in the elderly? 
</h2>
As the function of organs, cells, and immunity in the elderly declines, various diseases begin to disturb more frequently, such as…
<ul>
<li>Diabetes 
This disease occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin hormone, and the body becomes resistant to insulin, which functions to metabolize blood sugar into energy. This causes the body to have higher than normal blood sugar levels.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Osteoarthritis 
This is a common disease in the elderly, caused by aging and prolonged heavy use, leading to wear and tear of the cartilage surface of the knee joint. The structure changes or deteriorates, and if untreated, it can cause knee deformity and movement problems eventually.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Kidney disease 
When the kidneys malfunction or do not work at full capacity, it causes problems in waste elimination and acid-base balance in the blood. In the early stages, kidney disease patients may show almost no symptoms, but symptoms appear in the late stages when the kidneys are severely damaged, which can be fatal.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Hypertension 
Considered a silent threat that often shows no symptoms, but some may experience headaches, dizziness, confusion, and unusual fatigue. If untreated, it can affect various organs such as the heart, blood vessels, brain, kidneys, and eyes.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Alzheimer’s disease 
Caused by various changes in the brain, leading to slow degeneration of some brain parts. Symptoms include frequent forgetfulness, repetitive questioning, or in some cases, the brain may become non-functional. It may take months or even years before the condition is recognized.</li>
</ul>
<h2>What tests should be done and how often… for the elderly? 
</h2>
For the elderly, besides basic health check-ups and general health care, more in-depth and frequent health examinations are necessary. Examples include:
<ul>
<li>Eye examination
<ul>
<li>Ages 60-64: should have an eye exam every 2-4 years</li>
<li>Ages 65 and above: should have an eye exam every 1-2 years</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Stool test
<ul>
<li>Ages 60 and above: should have a stool test once a year to screen for colorectal cancer</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Health status assessment
<ul>
<li>Should be assessed for nutritional status, risk of osteoporosis, and ability to perform basic daily activities</li>
<li>Ages 65 and above: should have additional cognitive function assessment</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Breast examination in women
<ul>
<li>Ages 60-69: should have a breast exam every year</li>
<li>Ages 70 and above: should have exams as appropriate according to doctor’s recommendations</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Cervical cancer screening
<ul>
<li>Ages 60-64: should be screened every 3 years</li>
<li>Ages 65 and above: should be screened as appropriate</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Complete blood count
<ul>
<li>Ages 70 and above: should be tested annually</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Lipid profile test
<ul>
<li>Should be tested every 5 years or as recommended by a doctor</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Blood sugar test, urine test, and kidney function test
<ul>
<li>Should be tested annually</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
In fact, “health check-ups” are important for people of all ages, especially “the elderly”, who require more detailed, comprehensive, and regular examinations. Some diseases show no signs that patients can notice themselves. Detection requires medical equipment and specialists to perform the tests. 
Generally, diseases in “the elderly” tend to be more severe than in younger people because the efficiency of organ function decreases, cells deteriorate more, and immunity is not as strong as in youth.
Therefore, we should take good care of both the “physical and mental health” of the “elderly” 
so that they can live a quality and happy life.
&nbsp;
Dr. Yuttasit Thanapongpipat<a href="https://shorturl.asia/dAQkX"> 
</a>Family Medicine Specialist 
Health Promotion Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital

Health check-ups in the elderly are not only basic health care but also a way to monitor and prevent complications, manage existing diseases from worsening, and help detect diseases early for timely treatment.

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Elderly people must not neglect health check-ups.

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