Once you turn 60, your body deserves extra attention. Many of the most serious health problems that affect elderly patients — from heart disease to cancer to cognitive decline — can be detected early through routine screening. Here is the annual checkup checklist I recommend for all my patients over 60.
Blood Tests — Once a Year Minimum
1
Complete Blood Count (CBC)Checks for anaemia, infection,
blood cell abnormalities. Anaemia is extremely common in elderly and often undetected.
2
Fasting Blood Sugar + HbA1cScreens for and monitors diabetes.
Both tests together give the complete picture.
3
Lipid Profile (Cholesterol)LDL, HDL, triglycerides —
essential for cardiovascular risk assessment.
4
Kidney Function Tests (KFT)Creatinine, urea — kidney function
declines with age and can be worsened by many common medicines.
5
Liver Function Tests (LFT)Important especially if taking
multiple medications. Many drugs affect the liver over time.
6
Thyroid (TSH)Thyroid disorders are extremely common in
elderly — and symptoms are often mistaken for "just ageing."
7
Vitamin D and Vitamin B12Both are critically deficient in
most urban Indian elderly patients. B12 deficiency causes nerve damage; Vitamin D deficiency causes bone
loss and falls.
8
Urine Routine ExaminationChecks kidney health, silent
infections, and protein in urine (early kidney disease sign).
Cardiac Checks
- Blood pressure — every visit, ideally monthly home monitoring
- ECG (Electrocardiogram) — annually, even without symptoms, after 60
- Echocardiogram — if any symptoms, family history, or abnormal ECG
Cancer Screenings
- For men over 60: PSA blood test (prostate cancer screening)
- For women over 60: Mammogram (breast) and PAP smear as advised by your gynaecologist
- For all over 50: Stool occult blood test (colorectal cancer screening)
Bone Health
- Vitamin D level — guides supplementation dose
- DEXA scan — bone density test, especially for women post-menopause; detects osteoporosis before fractures occur
Cognitive and Functional Assessment
- MoCA or MMSE cognitive test — 10-minute memory and thinking test. I do this for all patients over 65 at their annual check. Early dementia is far better managed than late-stage.
- Fall risk assessment — balance, gait, and strength evaluation
- Medication review — full review of all medicines for safety and appropriateness in elderly
🩺 Dr. KC's Senior Package
I offer a dedicated Senior Annual Health Assessment that covers all of the above in a single planned visit. This avoids multiple separate visits and ensures nothing is missed. Call or WhatsApp to book one for your parent.
Book the Senior Annual Checkup Today
Home visits available for patients who can't travel. Available at all three clinic locations.
Checkup recommendations vary by individual health history. Discuss with your physician. ← Back to Health Tips