According to National Center for Health Statistics ( NCHS), by 2020, the life expectancy for women was 80 years and 75  years for men. The rise in life expectancy over the years is partly explained by better access to medical care and better food. However, certain actions can put the body at risk of diseases and reduce your longevity, especially in your 60s.

10 important tests after 60

To stay healthy, you must adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity. Do not neglect your medical appointments either. Indeed, the earlier a disease is taken care of, the higher your chances of survival, especially at age 60 when people suffer from a lot of conditions(Alzheimer’s, stroke, heart attack, etc.).

After 60, you should get the following tests : 

• A heart check-up: With age, the heart can suffer without showing any signs. From the age of 50, you must have a check-up with a cardiologist to find out if your cardiovascular system is in good health. Without family history or risk factors, you can have your doctor check your heart every five years.
• An ophthalmic examination: Glaucoma, cataracts, AMD… many eye diseases are more common with age. If you don’t have a specific eye problem,  visit the ophthalmologist once every three years for a routine examination.
• A dental exam: It is advisable to go to the dentist once a year for an oral exam, even in the absence of apparent concern. 
• An annual gynecological appointment: You must go to your gynecologist at least once a year for a routine examination, while a mammogram must be carried out every two years, just like with the pap smear. 
• Colorectal screening: Every two years, people aged 50 to 74 should undergo colorectal cancer screening. 
• A blood test: From 55-to 60 years old, you must perform a blood test every 3 years. This will not only allow your doctor to check for cholesterol, iron, or hormone levels, but also to perform a liver test.

After taking these tests, you should also make sure that you embrace the following habits to avoid ruining your body.

1. Not getting enough sleep

Sleep quantity and quality have profound physiological impacts that affect our daily thinking, memory, and mood, as well as our long-term risk of cognitive decline. A recent study estimated that one should sleep between 7 and 8 hours per night to reduce the risk of dementia.

2. Loneliness

Research has shown that loneliness can have health effects similar to those of obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking, increasing the risk of dementia in older adults.

A Finnish study showed that men who reported feeling lonely for two decades were more likely to develop cancer and receive a poorer prognosis. Some scientists argue that loneliness increases stress and depletes the immune system.

3. Having a negative view of aging

If you are afraid of aging, you risk accelerating your aging. A Yale study shows that people who had a positive view of aging lived 7.5 years longer and had lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who had a negative view of age.

4. Being sedentary

A sedentary lifestyle promotes diabetes, cancer, and many cardiovascular diseases. It is therefore recommended to do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day (walking, climbing stairs, gardening, cleaning, recreational cycling, etc.).

5. Having a sex life

Having sex once a month or less increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to research published in the American Journal of Cardiology.

6. Sitting for long periods of time

Sitting for long periods of time can slow down your metabolism, raise your blood sugar levels, increase your risk of diabetes, and jeopardize your heart health.  It is helpful to set a timer to remind you to get up and move: at least 5 minutes every hour.

7. Not being vaccinated

As the COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us, vaccination schedules are not just for children. Several vaccines are recommended for seniors, such as the flu (every year) and against other pathologies, according to your doctor’s recommendations (shingles, meningitis, pneumonia, etc.). 

Key takeaway

If you want to stay healthier for longer, avoid habits that reduce your longevity and practice those that will keep you healthy, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising.