Alert
Close

Last chance! Play brain games for a chance to win $25,000. Enter the Brain Health Sweepstakes

AARP Membership: Just $16 a Year

Highlights

Close

Grocery Coupon Center

Powered by Coupons.com. Access to grocery coupons

Bad consumer experience?

Submit a complaint to AARP's consumer advocate

Geek Squad

Exclusive offers for members

Technical Icon

Spanish Preferred?

Visit aarp.org/espanol

10 Steps to Retirement

Do something every day to help you achieve your goals

Contests and
Sweeps

You Could Win $25,000!

Enjoy fun, challenging games and learn about brain health. See official rules.

Health
Webinars

Learn From the Experts

Sign up now for an upcoming webinar or find materials from a past session.

learning
centers

Get smart strategies for managing health conditions.

 

Arthritis

Heart Disease

Diabetes

Most Popular
Articles

Viewed

Recommended

Commented

The Health Screenings You Need at 50+

Here’s what medical experts recommend, based on your gender and age

Brain Health Sweepstakes

Brain Health Sweeps

Play fun games to keep your brain strong and have a chance to win $25,000! See official rules.

  • Text
  • Print
  • Comments
  • Recommend

OTHER SCREENINGS YOU MAY NEED

Depending on your lifestyle and health, a doctor may recommend some or all of the following tests as well.

Alcohol Misuse Screening

What is it?
A single- or multiple-question test to assess alcohol use with the goal of helping individuals who drink excessively to reduce their consumption to safer levels   

When to get it?
No official recommendation

Depression Screening

What is it?
A two-question screening that asks: "During the past two weeks, have you felt down or hopeless?" "Have you had little interest in doing things you enjoy?"    

When to get it?
If you’ve been experiencing depression symptoms for two or more weeks

Diabetes Screening

What is it?    
The fasting plasma glucose test is a blood test administered after eight hours of fasting and measures blood sugar levels.   

When to get it?
Screen once every three years if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medications for high blood pressure.

Hepatitis C

What is it?
A one-time blood test for the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C causes serious liver diseases, including liver cancer

When to get it?
In August 2012 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that all individuals born between 1945 and 1965 be tested, noting that many boomers are infected with the virus but don't know it and don't perceive themselves to be at risk.

HIV/Chlamydia/Syphilis/Gonorrhea Screening

What is it?    
Tests to detect antibodies indicating exposure to these sexually transmitted

When to get it?
If you have had unprotected sex with multiple partners or have a new partner; have a history of sexually transmitted infections; use or have used injection drugs; or had a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985. Speak with your doctor about your risk for these diseases and how frequently you should be screened.

Obesity Screening

What is it?    
Your body mass index (BMI) is a formula that calculates your body fat (and obesity risk) based on your weight and height.   

When to get it?    
There's no official recommendation, but the best way to know whether you are overweight or obese is to calculate your BMI, either online or by asking your doctor. Doing so once per calendar year is a good idea.

Tobacco Use Screening

What is it?   
Doctors ask patients about their tobacco use and provide interventions for those who use tobacco products.    

When to get it?
Screen at every doctor's visit.

Topic Alerts

You can get weekly email alerts on the topics below. Just click “Follow.”

Manage Alerts

Processing

Please wait...

progress bar, please wait

Related Video

Patients should prepare for their doctor visits. Know the medications you’re taking and ask questions about them. Watch

Tell Us WhatYou Think

Please leave your comment below.

You must be signed in to comment.

Sign In | Register

More comments »

Health Blog

Discounts & Benefits

AARP Discounts on ACE Services

Members save 20% off on personal training and group fitness with American Council on Exercise.

Grandson (8-9) whispering to grandfather, close-up

Members save on hearing care with the AARP® Hearing Care Program provided by HearUSA.

Member Benefits

Members receive exclusive member benefits and affect social change. Join Today

bring health To Life-Visual MD

featured
Groups

Social Security

How to strengthen Social Security for future generations. Discuss

Medicare & Insurance

Share health coverage information and experiences common to being age 50+. Join

Health Nuts

Share heart-smart recipes, fitness tips and stress relievers. Join