The health tests you need for every stage of your life

Your body changes as you get older, and so do your health needs. So, which tests do you need now, and what should you be considering for the future? We break it down.

As we age, it’s natural to think about what the future might have in store for you and your health. A good way to deal with the uncertainty of life’s ‘what ifs’ around your health is to schedule regular checks with your doctor throughout each decade of your life. 

Along with regular check-ups, nutrition assessments and vaccinations, there are several milestone health checks that come with ageing. Here’s what should be on your radar for every stage of life.

Your 20s are the ideal time to start building positive health habits. There are several tests you should have done annually – including BMI measurement, blood pressure and cholesterol – that can earn you AIA Vitality  Points with AIA Vitality App. At this stage of life, you should also consider:

• Checking your skin every month. Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with skin cancers accounting for around 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers. The majority of skin cancers are caused by sun exposure, so being sun smart is essential. Always remember your hat and an SPF30+ sunscreen when spending time outdoors (even in the winter) and get into the habit of checking your skin for abnormalities once a month. If you’re an AIA Vitality member, you can earn 1,000 AIA Vitality Points each membership year by completing the AIA Vitality Skin Self Examination which provides a step by step guide to conducting your own skin check. If you notice a mole that looks like it’s changed shape or colour, see a GP for further advice. 
  
  
• Screens for sexually transmitted infections. Young people experience higher rates of STIs (and lower screening rates) when compared with the general population of Australia. It’s possible to be carrying an infection like genital herpes or gonorrhoea and not show symptoms, so it’s important to get tested even if you’re feeling healthy. Chat to your doctor about setting up a blood test and repeat it annually.

When you reach your 30s, start expanding on the routines that you’ve already established in your 20s. Now is also a good time to start considering:

• Mental health screening. We hear a lot about the importance of scheduling physical health tests, but it’s equally important to stay on top of your mental wellbeing. Almost half of Australians between the ages of 16–85 will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime. If you’re concerned about issues like depression, anxiety or substance abuse, talk to a doctor about creating a mental health plan.
  
  
• Thyroid testing. A thyroid disorder (under – or over ­– functioning of the thyroid gland) affects approximately 10–15 per cent of the Australian population, with women 10 times more likely than men to be affected. Treatment options differ according to the type of disorder, but most thyroid issues can be managed effectively with medicine. Get your thyroid checked at 30, then test every five years.

As you enter your 40s, your health needs change again. Now is the time to consider getting the following tests:

• Checking blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes presents most often in adults over 45 and can severely impact your lifestyle. You’re particularly at risk if you have a family history of diabetes or are overweight. While there’s currently no cure for Type 2 diabetes, the disease can be managed with diet and medication. Early detection is key to establishing a successful treatment plan.
  
  
• Breast cancer screening. For women without a history of breast cancer in their family, your 40s are a good time to start scheduling regular mammograms. One in seven women will experience breast cancer in their lifetime, so it’s important to get checked annually. BreastScreen Australia offers free testing Australia-wide for women 40 and over. And if you log your screening with the AIA Vitality App, you’ll receive 1,000 AIA Vitality Points.

As you get older, your risk of developing certain types of cancer increases. Regular testing will help to increase your likelihood of staying healthy and active in later life. Talk to your doctor about:

• Bowel cancer screening. People in their 50s should be tested regularly for bowel cancer, as early detection is critical to treatment. Register in the National Bowel Cancer screening program to receive in-home testing kits at ages 50, 55, 60, 64, 65, 70, 72 and 74. Additionally, bowel cancer screens can be logged within the AIA Vitality App to receive 1,000 AIA Vitality Points.
  
  
• Prostate testing. For men with no family history of prostate cancer, it’s recommended that you start undergoing prostate exams in your 50s. If you do have a family history, start screening earlier. Talk to your doctor about how often you should be tested.
  
  
• Colorectal cancer screening. The Cancer Council Australia recommends that Australians aged 50 and over should complete a faecal occult blood test (FOBT) every two years. A FOBT is the most effective screening tool we have for early detection of bowel cancer. Log your test within the AIA Vitality App, and you’ll also earn 1,000 AIA Vitality Points.

Many physical tests in your 60s are aimed at ensuring that your health doesn’t deteriorate to the extent that it will impact your day-to-day life. At around this age, you should:

• Get regular eye tests. Eye tests will make sure that your vision isn’t degrading (and receive 1,000 AIA Vitality Points for your efforts), while confirming that any sight aids you wear are still effective. Regular eye tests can also help you to detect diseases, like glaucoma and cataracts, in their early stages, which may prevent further loss of vision.
  
  
• Consider getting a bone density test. Also known as a DEXA scan, bone density tests will help determine whether you’re suffering from osteoporosis. A loss of bone density means that you are more prone to fractures and breaks, which can be debilitating in later life.

Article 1: Stress, its effects and how to manage it
Article 2: Everything you need to know about sunscreen (even in winter)
Article 3: 7 Questions to consider asking your gp at your next check-up

Disclaimer:
This is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a financial adviser, or medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.