Health checks for over 50

Want to live healthier, for longer? Getting regular checks and tests can help you live your best life.

Just like your car, your body needs regular check-ups to keep it running smoothly. And while it’s always better to get any strange car noises or ‘something doesn’t feel right’ issues investigated early, the same goes for being proactive about your health.

Instead of waiting for a reason to see a medical professional, you can stay on top of your health game by taking advantage of the health tests and check-ups that are available in Australia. We really are the lucky country, as we have the fourth-highest life expectancy in the world and several important health checks are covered by Medicare or health insurance, saving you money along the way.

Health checks are a series of screening tests performed at different ages and life stages, depending on your health, family history and lifestyle. Getting regular health checks means issues can be picked up or treated early before they snowball, increasing your chances for effective treatment if something is picked up. They also help give you a bit of peace of mind. Once you hit 50, health checks become even more important—they can help catch issues early and keep you feeling your best as you get older.

Here’s an overview of health checks you may need in your 50s and beyond – but make sure you ask your doctor for advice tailored to your needs.

Health checks in your 50s

As well as celebrating your fifth decade, this is when you start receiving bowel cancer screening tests and reminders from BreastScreen Australia in the mail.

Along with regular checks for blood pressure, heart problems, cholesterol, diabetes, cervical cancer and bowel cancer, you need:

Bone health

Your GP may assess your bone health every year. Women are at risk of developing osteoporosis after menopause, so your GP may recommend a bone density scan.

Breast cancer for women

As well as regular self-checking of your breasts, book in for a mammogram every 2 years, which is free under Medicare.

Vaccines

It's recommended that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease and shingles (it's free under the Australian National Immunisation Program).

Health checks in your 60s

You may start noticing lots of health changes in this decade, so on top of the health checks recommended in your 50s, you need to be screened for:

Eye health

Your vision needs to be checked every year from 65 onwards.

Hearing checks

From age 65, your hearing should be checked every year.

Falls risk assessment

From age 65, your doctor will regularly assess your risk of experiencing a fall.

Vaccines

After 65, if you weren't vaccinated against shingles in your 50s, you should do so now, and also book in for a free flu shot every year with the Australian National Immunisation Program.

Health checks in your 70s

All the tests that apply from your 50s and 60s continue, plus a few extras to keep in mind:

Heart health

Up until the age of 79, your GP will be checking your heart health to help you understand more about your personal risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Bowel cancer

You should continue bowel cancer at-home screening every two years until the age of 75.

Cancer screening

For women, up until 75 you'll continue having mammograms every 2 years and cervical screenings every 5 years.

Over 75 Health Assessment

From 75, you may be eligible for an Over 75 Health Assessment, which is a yearly check of your overall health and is free under Medicare. It's not compulsory, but it's a great way to keep you feeling well.

Vaccines

Make sure you keep getting your free annual flu shot, and get a free pneumococcal vaccine (if you didn't get it in your 50s) with the Australian National Immunisation Program.

Health checks for all adults

Dental

Regardless of your age, you should see a dentist every 6 to 12 months, depending on your dentist's advice. You can claim this on your Medibank extras policy.

Skin checks

Make sure you check your skin regularly, and see your doctor if you notice moles or freckles that have changed colour, shape or size, or a new spot appears. If you have a history of skin cancer (either personally or in your family), have lots of moles, work outdoors, spend lots of time outdoors and have a history of bad sunburns or UV exposure, you may be at higher risk of skin cancer and should get your skin checked by a doctor every 6 months. Check your Medibank policy to see if skin checks, such as mole mapping are included.

Sexual health

Many people diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STI) don’t have any symptoms so if you’re sexually active, regular sexual health checks are important – especially when you change sexual partners, have had unprotected sex or have a partner who has had an STI.

Older man getting health check from doctor

Look after your health

Getting regular health checks can help your peace of mind, as well as keep your body in good nick. Having a good GP who you can talk to about any concerns – at any age – is crucial and know that you are in the driving seat when it comes to your own health.

Remember, you may be able to use your Extras cover for the cost of dental and optical check-ups. Want a quote for Medibank Extras cover?

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