Routine Blood Tests for the Elderly
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes that can increase the risk of certain health conditions. Regular monitoring through routine blood tests becomes crucial in identifying and managing these risks early.
At Bluecrest Wellness, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive health assessments for elderly individuals, helping them stay informed and proactive about their health. Our tailored blood tests are designed to detect a range of potential issues, ensuring that elderly people receive the necessary care and guidance to maintain their wellbeing and enjoy a better quality of life.
In this guide, we will explore the essential routine blood tests for elderly people and how they can benefit from regular health monitoring.
Why are routine blood tests recommended for older people?
Getting older causes changes to occur in the body that can increase the risk of certain health conditions. Many older people are also required to take medications for their health, which can also impact their risk of developing some conditions.
As you age, you become more susceptible to certain conditions, including:
- Heart disease
- Strokes
- Cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Arthritis
- High blood pressure
- Infections
- Diabetes
- Dementia
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Osteoporosis
- Parkinson’s disease
Fortunately, many age-related health changes can be detected through blood tests, making regular testing essential for elderly individuals. Routine blood tests enable the early identification of potential issues, allowing for timely preventative measures or the initiation of treatment to address concerns promptly.
Which routine blood tests are recommended for elderly people?
Some of the most common blood tests recommended for elderly people include:
Full blood count
A full blood count (FBC) looks for abnormalities in the blood, such as unusually low or high numbers of blood cells. This test can help diagnose a wide range of illnesses, infections, or diseases, including anaemia, which can be more prevalent in older people.
Kidney function test
As we age, our risk of developing kidney disease naturally increases. Regular kidney function tests can help with the early detection and management of kidney disease, enabling treatment options to be started earlier and prevent complications.
Liver function test
The liver acts like a filter, helping remove waste products from the body. As a result, it can be exposed to toxins, medications, or alcohol, which over time can cause damage. A liver function test can help detect any damage or disorders of the liver, which tend not only to be more serious in older people but are also more likely to occur.
Cholesterol test
Regular cholesterol tests are important for people over 50, as high cholesterol levels can increase your risk of certain health conditions, like heart disease and stroke.
Diabetes blood test
The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases as you age, so regular blood sugar level checks are important for the early detection and management of pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Thyroid function test
Both hypo and hyperthyroidism, or under and over-active thyroid, are more common in older adults. These conditions can significantly impact metabolism and overall health, making thyroid function tests important for this age group.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for bone health. This is important for people over 50 as they are at greater risk of osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them fragile and more likely to break.
Where can elderly people get routine blood tests?
If you are aged between 40-74 and have no existing health conditions, you can get routine blood tests at your local GP surgery through an NHS Health Check every five years. If you are over 75 and have no existing health conditions, you are eligible for an NHS Health Check every year.
However, if you would prefer more regular check ups or the convenience of being able to book a test at a place and time that suits your schedule, you can book elderly routine blood tests through a private provider, such as Bluecrest Wellness.
As well as being more convenient, booking a full Health MOT with Bluecrest Wellness ensures you get:
- A comprehensive range of tests designed to give full insights into your health
- Full access to your results within around eight days
- A personalised Results Report with easy-to-understand language
- Access to a free 24/7 GP helpline access for an entire year
How can Bluecrest Wellness help?
At Bluecrest Wellness, we provide full body private health checks, which include a range of private blood checks ideal for elderly people, such as a full blood count, cholesterol, liver and kidney tests, and diabetes checks. This ensures you get comprehensive insights into your general health, so you can take action to reduce your risk of many of the conditions that are more common in older people.
Our private health MOTs are available across the UK, making it easy for you to find a convenient location for private laboratory blood testing. Plus, you can be confident that we will deliver fast, efficient, and accurate results as we have established links with leading UK laboratories and are fully accredited for a wide range of private blood checks.
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