Essential Annual Checks
| Check | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Blood pressure | Hypertension remains major risk factor even in elderly |
| Medication review (polypharmacy) | Reduce inappropriate or interacting medications — very common issue in this age group |
| Falls risk assessment | Balance, strength, home hazards, vision |
| Cognitive screening | Early detection of concerning changes |
| Vision and hearing checks | Both significantly affect quality of life and falls risk |
| Bone density (DEXA) | Especially for women post-menopause or with risk factors |
| Vaccination status | Flu (annual), pneumococcal, shingles, COVID boosters |
Blood Tests to Consider
| Test | Why in Older Adults |
|---|---|
| FBC | Anaemia is common and often undertreated in this age group |
| Kidney function (eGFR) | Declines with age; affects medication dosing |
| Thyroid (TSH) | Increasingly common with age, can mimic other conditions |
| Vitamin B12 | Absorption declines with age |
| Vitamin D | Higher risk of deficiency |
| HbA1c | Diabetes screening |
Polypharmacy — A Major Modern Issue
Many older adults take 5, 10, or more regular medications, increasing risk of interactions and side effects. A structured medication review (sometimes called deprescribing) with a GP or pharmacist can identify medications that are no longer needed or beneficial, significantly improving quality of life and reducing fall risk.Falls Prevention Deserves PriorityFalls are a leading cause of injury and loss of independence in older adults. Simple interventions — home hazard assessment, strength and balance exercises, vision correction, medication review, and appropriate footwear — significantly reduce fall risk.
Are more medications always better for managing multiple conditions?
Not necessarily — the risk of drug interactions and side effects increases substantially with each additional medication, and 'deprescribing' (carefully reducing unnecessary medications) is an increasingly recognised important part of geriatric care.
Is memory decline a normal part of ageing?
Some mild changes (slower recall, needing more time to learn new things) are normal, but progressive decline significantly affecting daily function and independence should be assessed rather than assumed to be 'just ageing'.
How often should an elderly person see their GP for a check-up?
This varies by individual health needs, but an annual comprehensive review (medication, blood tests, falls risk, cognitive check) is a reasonable baseline for most people over 65, more often if managing chronic conditions.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.