BACK
TO
TOP
Browse A-Z
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Health screenings for women age 65 and older

Health maintenance visit - women - over age 65; Physical exam - women - over age 65; Yearly exam - women - over age 65; Checkup - women - over age 65; Women's health - over age 65; Preventive care exam - women - over age 65

You should visit your health care provider from time to time, even if you are healthy. The purpose of these visits is to:

  • Screen for medical issues
  • Assess your risk for future medical problems
  • Encourage a healthy lifestyle
  • Update vaccinations and other preventive care services
  • Help you get to know your provider in case of an illness

Information

Even if you feel fine, you should still see your provider for regular checkups. These visits can help you avoid problems in the future. For example, the only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked regularly. High blood sugar and high cholesterol levels also may not have any symptoms in the early stages. A simple blood test can check for these conditions.

There are specific times when you should see your provider or receive specific health screenings. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) publishes a list of recommended screenings, and these are updated as needed. Below are screening guidelines for women age 65 and older.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

Have your blood pressure checked at least once every year. Watch for blood pressure screenings in your area. Ask your provider if you can stop in to have your blood pressure checked. You can also check your blood pressure using the automated machines at local grocery stores and pharmacies.

Ask your provider if you need your blood pressure checked more often if:

  • You have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, are overweight or have obesity, or have certain other health conditions
  • You have a first-degree relative with high blood pressure
  • You are Black
  • Your blood pressure top number is from 120 to 129 mm Hg, or the bottom number is from 70 to 79 mm Hg

If the top number is 130 mm Hg or greater, but lower than 140 mm Hg, or the bottom number is 80 mm Hg or greater but lower than 90 mm Hg, this is considered to be stage 1 hypertension. Readings above these are considered to be stage 2 hypertension. Schedule an appointment with your provider to learn how you can reduce your blood pressure. Record your blood pressure numbers and bring this information to share with your provider.

BREAST CANCER SCREENING

Experts do not agree about the benefits of breast self-exams in finding breast cancer or saving lives. Talk to your provider about what is best for you.

Mammography is performed to screen women to detect early breast cancer when it is more likely to be cured. The recommendations of different expert organizations can differ.

  • Women up to age 75 should have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years, depending on their risk factors, to check for breast cancer.
  • Women with a family history of breast cancer should work with their provider to assess their risk of breast cancer. In some situations, additional testing may be considered.

Mammograms work best at finding breast cancer in women ages 40 to 74. It is not clear how well mammograms work at finding cancer in women age 75 and older. Talk to your provider about what is best for you.

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING

After age 65, most women who have not been diagnosed with cervical cancer or precancer can stop having screening tests, as long as:

  • They have had 3 consecutive negative Pap test results or 2 consecutive negative HPV test results within 10 years
  • The most recent test occurred within 5 years

Women who have been treated for a precancerous lesion should continue to have Pap tests for 20 years after treatment or until age 65, whichever is longer.

CHOLESTEROL SCREENING

The American Heart Association recommends cholesterol screening should begin at age 20 for all women with no known risk factors for coronary heart disease and repeat every 4 to 6 years.

Cholesterol screening should take place more often if:

  • Changes occur in lifestyle (including weight gain and diet)
  • You have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, high blood pressure, stroke, blood flow problems in the legs or feet, or certain other conditions
  • Your provider recommends it because you are taking medicines to control high cholesterol

COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING

Until age 75, you should have screening for colorectal cancer on a regular basis. Several tests are available for colorectal cancer screening:

  • Colonoscopy every 10 years
  • A stool-based fecal occult blood (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year (colonoscopy is needed if results are positive)
  • A stool DNA-FIT test every 1 to 3 years (colonoscopy is needed if results are positive)
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or every 10 years with FIT done every year
  • CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years

You may need a colonoscopy more often if you have risk factors for colon cancer, including:

  • Ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease.
  • A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
  • A family history of inherited colorectal cancer syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
  • People ages 76 through 85 should talk with their provider about whether to continue to get screened. People ages 86 and older no longer need colorectal cancer screening.

DENTAL EXAM

  • Go to the dentist once or twice every year for an exam and cleaning. Your dentist will evaluate if you have a need for more frequent visits.

PREDIABETES AND TYPE 2 DIABETES SCREENING

You should be screened for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes every 3 years up to age 70 if you are overweight or have obesity.

You should be tested more often if you have other risk factors for diabetes, such as:

  • You have a first-degree relative with diabetes
  • You have high blood pressure, prediabetes, or a history of heart disease

EYE EXAM

An eye exam measures clarity and sharpness of vision and checks for vision problems.

  • Have an eye exam every 1 to 2 years starting at age 65.
  • Depending on your risk factors for eye diseases and your current symptoms or illnesses, your eye doctor may recommend that you have exams more often.
  • Have an eye exam that includes an examination of your retina (back of your eye) at least every year if you have diabetes.

HEARING TEST

IMMUNIZATIONS

Commonly recommended vaccines include:

  • Flu shot: you should get one every year
  • COVID-19 vaccine: get at least one every year; ask your provider if you may need more than one vaccine
  • Pneumococcal vaccines: you should receive this vaccine
  • Shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine: 2 doses at or after age 50
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine: you should receive this vaccine if you are 75 years or older
  • Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine: you should receive this vaccine if you are 68 years or younger
  • Tetanus-diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine: have as one of your tetanus-diphtheria vaccines if you did not receive it as an adolescent
  • Tetanus-diphtheria: have a booster (Td or Tdap) every 10 years

INFECTIOUS DISEASE SCREENING

  • All adults ages 18 to 79 should get a one-time test for hepatitis C.
  • All people ages 15 to 65 should get a one-time test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • Annual HIV screening is recommended for people at increased risk, such as being sexually active with men of unknown HIV status or having other risk factors such as injection drug use.

Depending on your lifestyle and medical history, you may need to be screened for infections such as syphilis, chlamydia, and other infections.

LUNG CANCER SCREENING

You should have an annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) if:

  • You are age 50 to 80 years AND
  • You have a 20 pack-year smoking history AND
  • You currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years

OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENING

  • All women age 65 or older should have a bone density test (DEXA scan).
  • Ask your provider which exercises or other interventions can help prevent osteoporosis or bone fractures.

PHYSICAL EXAMS

Your blood pressure, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) should be checked at every exam.

During the exam, your provider will ask questions about:

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Diet and exercise, including exercises to improve your balance and reduce your risk of falling
  • Alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
  • Safety, such as use of seat belts and smoke detectors and intimate partner violence
  • Whether you have had any falls or are afraid of falling
  • Whether you have symptoms of urinary incontinence
  • Your medicines and risk for interactions

SKIN EXAM

Your provider may check your skin for signs of skin cancer, especially if you're at high risk. You may be at risk if you:

  • Have had skin cancer before
  • Have close relatives with skin cancer
  • Have a weakened immune system

Professional organizations do not recommend for or against performing a skin self-exam.

Open References

References

American Academy of Ophthalmology website. Clinical statement: Comprehensive adult medical eye examination PPP 2020. www.aao.org/education/preferred-practice-pattern/comprehensive-adult-medical-eye-evaluation-ppp. Updated November 2020. Accessed October 24, 2025.

American Cancer Society website. Breast cancer early detection and diagnosis: American Cancer Society recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer. www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/american-cancer-society-recommendations-for-the-early-detection-of-breast-cancer.html. Updated December 19, 2023. Accessed July 17, 2025.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) website. FAQ163: Cervical cancer. www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/cervical-cancer. Updated October 2023. Accessed July 17, 2025.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) website. FAQ178: Mammography and other screening tests for breast problems. www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/Mammography-and-Other-Screening-Tests-for-Breast-Problems. Updated October 2024. Accessed July 17, 2025.

American Dental Association website. Your top 9 questions about going to the dentist -- answered! www.mouthhealthy.org/dental-care/questions-about-going-to-the-dentist/. Accessed July 17, 2025.

American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 2. Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025. Diabetes Care. 2025;48(1 Suppl 1):S27-S49. PMID: 39651986 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39651986/.

Barton MB, Wolff TA. The preventive health visit. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 12.

Brown HL, Warner JJ, Gianos E, et al; American Heart Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Promoting risk identification and reduction of cardiovascular disease in women through collaboration with obstetricians and gynecologists: a presidential advisory from the American Heart Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Circulation. 2018;137(24):e843-e852. PMID: 29748185 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29748185/.

Bushnell C, Kernan WN, Sharrief AZ, et al. 2024 Guideline for the primary prevention of stroke: a guideline from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2024;55(12):e344-e424. PMID: 39429201 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39429201/. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Recommended vaccinations for adults. Recommended immunizations for adults aged 19 years and older, United States, 2024. www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-schedules/adult-easyread.html. Updated July 1, 2025. Accessed July 17, 2025.

Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, et al. 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the management of blood cholesterol: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines [published correction appears in J Am Coll Cardiol. 2019;73(24):3237-3241]. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2019;73(24):e285-e350. PMID: 30423393 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30423393/.

Mora S, Libby P, Ridker PM. Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 25. 

National Cancer Institute website. Breast cancer screening (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/breast-screening-pdq. Updated April 10, 2025. Accessed July 18, 2025.

Studenski S, Van Swearingen J. Falls. In: Fillit HM, Rockwood K, Young J, eds. Brocklehurst's Textbook of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 103.

US Preventive Services Task Force website. A and B recommendations. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation-topics/uspstf-a-and-b-recommendations. Accessed October 24, 2025.

US Preventive Services Task Force website. Final recommendation statement. Breast cancer: medication use to reduce risk. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/breast-cancer-medications-for-risk-reduction. Updated September 3, 2019. Accessed November 1, 2025.

US Preventive Services Task Force website. Final recommendation statement. Breast cancer: screening. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/ breast-cancer-screening. Updated April 30, 2024. Accessed November 1, 2025.

US Preventive Services Task Force website. Final recommendation statement. Cervical cancer: screening. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/cervical-cancer-screening. Published August 21, 2018. Accessed October 24, 2025.

US Preventive Services Task Force website. Final recommendation statement. Colorectal cancer: screening. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/colorectal-cancer-screening. Published May 18, 2021. Accessed October 24, 2025.

US Preventive Services Task Force website. Final recommendation statement. Falls prevention in community-dwelling older adults: interventions. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/falls-prevention-community-dwelling-older-adults-interventions. Published June 4, 2024. Accessed October 24, 2025.

US Preventive Services Task Force website. Final recommendation statement. Hepatitis C virus infection in adolescents and adults: screening. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/hepatitis-c-screening. Published March 2, 2020. Accessed October 24, 2025.

US Preventive Services Task Force website. Final recommendation statement. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection: screening. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/human-immunodeficiency-virus-hiv-infection-screening. Published June 11, 2019. Accessed October 24, 2025.

US Preventive Services Task Force website. Final recommendation statement. Hypertension in adults: screening. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/hypertension-in-adults-screening. Published April 27, 2021. Accessed October 24, 2025.

US Preventive Services Task Force website. Final recommendation statement. Lung cancer: screening. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/lung-cancer-screening. Updated March 9, 2021. Accessed October 24, 2025.

US Preventive Services Task Force website. Final recommendation statement. Osteoporosis to prevent fractures: screening. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/osteoporosis-screening. Updated June 26, 2018. Accessed October 24, 2025.

US Preventive Services Task Force website. Final recommendation statement. Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: screening. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/screening-for-prediabetes-and-type-2-diabetes. Updated August 24, 2021. Accessed October 24, 2025.

US Preventive Services Task Force website. Final recommendation statement. Skin cancer: screening. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/skin-cancer-screening. Updated April 18, 2023. Accessed October 24, 2025.

Whelton PK, Carey RM, Mancia G, Kreutz R, Bundy JD, Williams B. Harmonization of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension Blood Pressure/Hypertension Guidelines: comparisons, reflections, and recommendations. Circulation. 2022;146:868-877. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.054602. PMID 35950927 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35950927/.

  • Mammogram

    Mammogram - illustration

    A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to find tumors and to help tell the difference between noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) disease. One breast at a time is rested on a flat surface that contains the x-ray plate. A device called a compressor is pressed firmly against the breast to help flatten out the breast tissue. Each breast is compressed horizontally,then obliquely and an x-ray is taken of each position.

    Mammogram

    illustration

  • Pap smear

    Pap smear - illustration

    A Pap test is a simple, relatively inexpensive procedure that can easily detect cancerous or precancerous conditions.

    Pap smear

    illustration

  • Fecal occult blood test

    Fecal occult blood test - illustration

    A fecal occult blood test is a noninvasive test that detects the presence of hidden blood in the stool. Blood in the stool that is not visible is often the first, and in many cases the only, warning sign that a person has colorectal disease, including colon cancer.

    Fecal occult blood test

    illustration

  • Effects of age on blood pressure

    Effects of age on blood pressure - illustration

    Blood vessels become less elastic with age. The average blood pressure increases from 120/70 to 150/90 and may persist slightly high even if treated. The blood vessels respond more slowly to a change in body position.

    Effects of age on blood pressure

    illustration

  • Osteoporosis

    Osteoporosis - illustration

    Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by progressive loss of bone density, thinning of bone tissue and increased vulnerability to fractures. Osteoporosis may result from disease, dietary or hormonal deficiency or advanced age. Regular exercise and vitamin and mineral supplements can reduce and even reverse loss of bone density.

    Osteoporosis

    illustration

  • Squamous cell cancer

    Squamous cell cancer - illustration

    Squamous cell cancer involves cancerous changes to the cells of the middle portion of the epidermal skin layer. It is a malignant tumor, and is more aggressive than basal cell cancer, but still may be relatively slow-growing. It is more likely than basal cell cancer to spread (metastasize) to other locations, including internal organs. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the tumor along with some surrounding tissue.

    Squamous cell cancer

    illustration

  • Mammogram

    Mammogram - illustration

    A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to find tumors and to help tell the difference between noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) disease. One breast at a time is rested on a flat surface that contains the x-ray plate. A device called a compressor is pressed firmly against the breast to help flatten out the breast tissue. Each breast is compressed horizontally,then obliquely and an x-ray is taken of each position.

    Mammogram

    illustration

  • Pap smear

    Pap smear - illustration

    A Pap test is a simple, relatively inexpensive procedure that can easily detect cancerous or precancerous conditions.

    Pap smear

    illustration

  • Fecal occult blood test

    Fecal occult blood test - illustration

    A fecal occult blood test is a noninvasive test that detects the presence of hidden blood in the stool. Blood in the stool that is not visible is often the first, and in many cases the only, warning sign that a person has colorectal disease, including colon cancer.

    Fecal occult blood test

    illustration

  • Effects of age on blood pressure

    Effects of age on blood pressure - illustration

    Blood vessels become less elastic with age. The average blood pressure increases from 120/70 to 150/90 and may persist slightly high even if treated. The blood vessels respond more slowly to a change in body position.

    Effects of age on blood pressure

    illustration

  • Osteoporosis

    Osteoporosis - illustration

    Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by progressive loss of bone density, thinning of bone tissue and increased vulnerability to fractures. Osteoporosis may result from disease, dietary or hormonal deficiency or advanced age. Regular exercise and vitamin and mineral supplements can reduce and even reverse loss of bone density.

    Osteoporosis

    illustration

  • Squamous cell cancer

    Squamous cell cancer - illustration

    Squamous cell cancer involves cancerous changes to the cells of the middle portion of the epidermal skin layer. It is a malignant tumor, and is more aggressive than basal cell cancer, but still may be relatively slow-growing. It is more likely than basal cell cancer to spread (metastasize) to other locations, including internal organs. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the tumor along with some surrounding tissue.

    Squamous cell cancer

    illustration

 

Review Date: 7/1/2025

Reviewed By: Frank D. Brodkey , MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
© 1997- adam.comAll rights reserved.

 
 
 

 

 

A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.