Preventive care isn’t just for seniors. Staying ahead of potential health issues can save lives—and money. Here’s your age-by-age guide:
In Your 20s:
- Annual physical exam
- STI screening
- Skin checks for moles
- Mental health check-ins
- HPV vaccine (if not already received)
In Your 30s:
- Continue 20s checkups
- Cholesterol and blood pressure screening
- Pap smears (every 3 years or as advised)
- Diabetes screening (if at risk)
In Your 40s:
- Mammogram (women)
- Colon cancer screening (starts at 45)
- Eye and hearing tests
- Thyroid function tests
- Bone density baseline (if risk factors exist)
In Your 50s:
- Prostate cancer screening (men)
- Colonoscopy
- Shingles vaccine
- Lung cancer screening (if smoker)
- Osteoporosis check (women)
In Your 60s and Beyond:
- Annual flu shots
- Pneumonia and shingles vaccines
- Fall risk assessment
- Cognitive health screening
- Ongoing management of chronic conditions
Tip: Keep a digital or physical record of your health screenings and update it regularly.