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Prostate cancer screening. The task force says there is moderate certainty that the benefits of screening for prostate cancer -- measuring a man's prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level -- do not outweigh the harms in men ages 70 and older. It recommends talking with your doctor about the pros and cons of screening if you are ages 55 to 69.
For women, a breast exam and mammogram. Know this: Breast cancer risk increases with age. So it's especially important for you to get that mammogram. A mammogram is recommended every 1 to 2 years starting at age 40 or 50. Not all breast cancer experts agree. Talk to your doctor about when you should begin regular mammograms and how often you should have them.
For women, a pelvic exam, Pap smear and HPV test. You may think it's crazy, but many women over 60 still need to get regular pelvic exams, Pap smears, or human papillomavirus (HPV) tests. Older women can get cervical cancer or vaginal cancer. And the pelvic exam can detect a host of other conditions that may affect your health and quality of life (think incontinence!). Pap smears are recommended for women every 3 years, an HPV test every 5 years, or both, up to age 65. If a woman is older than 65 and has had several negative Pap smears in a row or has had a total hysterectomy for a noncancerous condition like fibroids, your doctor may tell you that a Pap test is no longer needed.
Protecting your eyes. Eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma, are common with age. Screening can preserve and maximize your vision. Ask your eye doctor how often you need to have your eyes checked.
Hearing test. At least 25% of people ages 65 to 74 have disabling hearing loss, most of which is treatable. That number increases to 50% with age. Get a hearing test if you are having any trouble hearing.
Protect your bones. Osteoporosis is no joke. If you have it and you get a fracture -- especially of the hip -- you've significantly increased your risk of permanent disability or death. Get serious and ask your doctor to refer you for a bone density test. Women should have a bone density test at age 65. If a woman is at a higher risk, a screening test may need to be done at an earlier age. Talk to your doctor.
Cholesterol screening. High cholesterol levels are a major reason why people have heart attacks and strokes. The good news, though, is that high cholesterol levels can be treated by diet and medications. That is why measuring your levels of total cholesterol -- HDL "good" cholesterol and LDL "bad" cholesterol -- is important to do regularly. Consider an advanced lipid test, which gives even more information on cardiovascular risk. Medicare will usually cover these blood tests.
Vaccinations. People older than 65 should get a pneumococcal vaccine to protect against pneumonia. The CDC recommends the shingles vaccine for those over age 50 as well. Also, almost all adults should get an annual flu shot. A one-time diphtheria tetanus booster that also has pertussis vaccine (whooping cough) in it is recommended, followed by a diphtheria/tetanus booster every 10 years
Aneurysm. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by ultrasound in men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked. Screening can be offered to women who have a strong family history of AAA repair or death due to AAA rupture.
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