“With the passing of time can come additional health concerns and needs. Staying on top of medical visits can help you keep track of and address bodily changes, minimizing the risks or complications of chronic, debilitating illness,” says Janine Darby, MD, a double board-certified physician in family and obesity medicine.
The good news is that there’s still time to take control of your health. Here, experts help us break down the most important appointments to make—and keep—in starting in your 40s and 50s, what to expect, how to make it count, and how often to visit the doc.
A quick note: The following recommendations are gleaned from medical studies, guidelines, and opinions based on the time of publishing. We suggest consulting with your health insurance and medical networks to assess which providers and treatments are right for you.
The doctor will then perform a physical assessment of your heart, lungs, abdomen, eyes, ears, mouth, muscular system, weight, blood pressure, and bloodwork. “This will offer insight into things like blood count, kidney function, liver function, electrolytes, and glucose levels, whereas a lipid panel will also provide a picture of good and bad cholesterol,” she says. She notes the physical exam may also consist of additional gut-checks, such as vision, hearing, and thyroid, depending on the individual.
When to go: Plan on a physical exam with a primary care doctor every year, including a prostate exam for men starting at 40, advises Dr. Darby. Men, take note: “Visit sooner if you’re experiencing issues that may be associated with prostate cancer, such as a decrease in urination flow. A doctor can work with you on a visit frequency and treatment plan based on your personal history and health.”
For those 50 and over, she also recommends vaccination for Herpes Zoster (also known as shingles or the chickenpox virus), which can help combat the increased severity of symptoms that comes with aging. “Our immunity decreases as we get older and the pain worsens,” she says.
When to go: Plan to visit your primary doctor for a tetanus booster every 10 years, consulting a medical professional when you have a brush-up with bacteria-ridden metals or other materials.
“The Herpes Zoster vaccine is a one-time, two-dose shot administered two to six months apart. Given this is a live virus, I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone who may be immune-compromised, such as someone who’s pregnant or has been diagnosed with HIV,” Dr. Darby says.
What it involves: According to Dr. Darby, prediabetes and diabetes can be tested with a simple blood test (referred to as a hemoglobin A1C) that measures your blood sugar levels. “The doctor can then provide direction for diet and exercise, along with medicine and treatments that help manage or stimulate insulin.”
When to go: Dr. Darby suggests adding this screening to your yearly physical. “Visit your primary doctor sooner if you experience heightened thirst or appetite, increased urination, changes in weight, a decrease in vision, or overall fatigue.”
In addition to being uncomfortable and contagious, this means STIs are affecting people who may not have the same immunity defenses they did when they were younger. “Syphilis can lead to neurological issues, whereas herpes will cause painful outbreaks, Hepatitis B and C can lead to liver cirrhosis or cancer, and HIV will weaken your immunity even further,” cautions Dr. Darby, who says she’s seen an increase in HIV diagnoses among women over 50 in particular.
What it involves: According to Dr. Darby, a proper STI screening will typically consist of a urine test for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas and a blood test for everything else, with results available in two to three days or sooner. “Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas are treatable with antibiotics, whereas other STIs can be managed with the help of medical advancements.”
When to go: Aside from using precaution whenever possible, Dr. Darby says you should plan to visit your primary care doctor, urgent care, or community health center for a test every three to six months if having unprotected sex with multiple partners, as well as before engaging with a new partner, to make sure you’re both in the clear. “You should have a comprehensive test performed if you have a known STI exposure or symptoms,” she says.
What it involves: According to Alyssa Dweck, MD, an OB/GYN and chief medical officer of Bonafide, a gynecological exam at this age should include a clinical breast exam (CBE)—“a manual exam to check the breasts for lumps, skin changes, nipple discharge, or swollen lymph nodes in axillae—along with a Pap smear, a screening test for cancer and precancer of the cervix.”
For those looking to conceive, testing can be done to evaluate the effect of aging on fertility. “Thyroid and thyroid antibodies should be checked, as should various nutrients such as omega 3, ferritin (iron), and B12, and others as indicated,” Dr. Gersh says. She adds that as women enter the menopausal transition, labs can evaluate the degree of systemic inflammation, lipids, nutrients, thyroid, and other tests related to individual symptoms.
When to go: Dr. Dweck recommends a CBE for average-risk individuals 40 and older every year, as performed by an internist, OB/GYN, or family practice provider, with self-assessments performed in between.
“While guidelines vary for women ages 30 to 65 with average risk, cervical cancer screenings are typically offered every three years with a Pap smear, every five years with Pap smear/HPV co-testing, or every five years with HPV testing alone,” she adds, noting that a Pap smear is typically performed as part of the gynecological pelvic exam."
What it involves: According to Dr. Dweck, “a mammogram is a radiological test (or X-ray) to evaluate the breasts performed by a radiologist at a radiology facility.”
When to go: Dr. Dweck points out that mammograms are typically recommended on a yearly basis for average-risk individuals. “There are varying opinions on these screening protocols (view them here), which can be assessed with the help of a medical professional based on your personal health and comfort.”
What it involves: To ensure a thorough check, Dr. Bickle says this is one exam where undressed is best. “Your dermatologist will give you an exam gown and check you from head to toe, examining each area for anything atypical.” When it comes to moles, they’ll look out for the ABCDEs: asymmetry, borders (unsmooth, not round or oval, jagged edges, or notches), color, diameter, and evolution (anything changing or growing).
Dr. Bickle says your dermatologist will also be looking for pre-cancers (such as actinic keratoses) and common skin cancers (basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas). “These have certain characteristics that dermatologists can easily identify. If they notice anything suspicious, they will likely recommend a skin biopsy, during which a small tissue of skin will be removed and sent to a lab for further examination.”
When to go: Dr. Bickle recommends visiting a board-certified dermatologist for a full-body skin check once a year. “If you have a personal history of skin cancer, your dermatologist will likely want to see you more frequently—anywhere from two to four times per year, depending on the type of skin cancer you had.”
She reiterates that skin cancers can occur at any time and are often treatable, so early detection (with comprehensive skin checks beginning in your 20s) and diligence as you age are key.
“Around this age, people tend to see a reduction in the production of saliva. The nature and ability of that saliva also changes, making it harder to fight off bacteria,” explains Dr. Raimondi. He also points out that those in this age category are at higher risk for osteoporosis, during which bones lose their strength and fractures become more common.
What it involves: “A dentist will perform a proper cleaning, assess any potential concerns such as dry mouth or immune issues, and help you address any problematic habits,” says Dr. Raimondi. They can also suggest medical treatments and advise when it comes to cosmetics, such as teeth straightening, deeper cleaning, crowns, or veneers."
When to go: While a dental exam is typically recommended every six months to a year, Dr. Raimondi says the suggested frequency can vary depending on someone’s home care and risk factors.
What it involves: The most common way to test for colorectal cancer is with a colonoscopy, says Dr. Darby, “during which you’re sedated and a doctor uses a tool and microscopic camera to screen for lesions or polyps. There are also tests that scan for blood in the stool. If found, they are then followed with the colonoscopy.”
When to go: Dr. Darby, you should plan on having a colonoscopy administered by a gastroenterologist or general surgeon every 10 years. “It may be more frequent if there’s a personal or family history with colorectal cancer.” You should also seek medical attention if you experience any colorectal cancer symptoms (more to look out for here).
What it involves: Dr. Darby says a typical screening will consist of a CT or CAT scan (a form of X-ray) of the lungs to look out for problematic nodules.
When to go: “Beginning at 50, discuss a lung cancer screening with your general physician who can refer you to an out-patient radiologist,” advises Dr. Darby. While the American Cancer Society cautions that most lung cancers are silent, you may also want to seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as loss of appetite, feeling tired or weak, wheezing, or infections like bronchitis and pneumonia that won’t go away.
