Recommended Health Screenings in Your 60s
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Last updated: December 3, 2025
The Complete Guide to Staying Healthy as You Age
Entering your 60s marks a new and important phase of preventive healthcare. At this age, health risks tend to rise due to natural ageing, changes in metabolism, and cumulative lifestyle factors. But with the right screenings, early detection is not only possible, it dramatically increases your chance of maintaining independence, vitality, and overall quality of life.
The statistics below show why screening becomes especially important for adults aged 60 and above.
- High blood cholesterol: 53.7% among 60–69 age group, 55.1% among 70–74.
- Abdominal obesity remains at 54.5%.
- CKD rises sharply: in 2019–2020 data, 21.6% among 55–69, rising to 36.0% at age 70–74.
Given the prevalence of chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, metabolic conditions), regular annual (or biannual) screening is recommended for adults 65+.
Why these matter for age 60 plus: With more than half having high cholesterol and over 1 in 5 having chronic kidney disease, it's very important to monitor not just metabolic markers but organ function (kidney, liver), bone health, cancer markers, and other age-related conditions. Early detection can mean better management, and still a good chance of maintaining quality of life.
This guide walks you through the most essential screenings recommended for adults aged 60 and above, why they matter, how often you should do them, and how they help you stay healthy for many more good years ahead.
Source: Health Promotion Board
Health Screening at Regis Medical
Patient-first, Holistic, Dedicated Healthcare
Why Health Screening Matters More After 60
Ageing increases the risk of chronic diseases, many of which develop silently without obvious symptoms. Regular screening helps by:
- Catching conditions early when they are easiest to treat
- Preventing complications such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, osteoporosis fractures
- Monitoring existing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, joint issues, or cholesterol
- Optimising treatment plans as your health needs change with age
Your 60s is the decade where proactive care makes the biggest difference.
Comprehensive Blood Tests (Yearly)
Checks for anemia, infections, and blood disorders, common in older adults.
Age-related decline or long-term medication use can strain these organs. Early detection prevents progression to organ failure.
Diabetes Tests - Fasting Glucose or HbA1c (Diabetes Screening)
Diabetes risk increases significantly after 60. Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to nerve issues, vision loss, kidney damage, and heart disease.
Cholesterol Test (Lipid Profile)
High cholesterol is a silent but major contributor to stroke and heart attacks.
Cardiovascular Health Screening
Blood Pressure Check (Every visit or 3–6 months)
Hypertension is one of the most common conditions after 60 and often has no symptoms.
ECG (Electrocardiogram)
Detects irregular heart rhythms, heart muscle strain, or past silent heart attacks.
hs-CRP or Other Cardiac Markers
Helps assess inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
Carotid Ultrasound (If recommended)
Screens for plaque buildup in neck arteries, reducing stroke risk.
Cancer Screenings: High Priority After 60
Colorectal Cancer Screening (Colonoscopy / FIT Test)
Risk rises sharply after age 50.
- FIT test: yearly
- Colonoscopy: every 5–10 years or as advised
Prostate Cancer Screening (Men)
PSA blood test + doctor’s assessment.
Breast Cancer Screening (Women)
Mammogram every 1–2 years until age 74 (continue beyond 75 if in good health).
Cervical Cancer Screening (Women)
If previously normal: HPV test every 5 years up to age 65.
Lung Cancer Screening (Smokers)
Low-dose CT scan for older adults with a history of smoking.
Bone & Joint Health Screening
Bone Mineral Density Scan (DEXA)
Osteoporosis becomes significantly more common after 60 and increases fracture risk.
Recommended every 1–2 years, especially for women and anyone with previous fractures.
Calcium, Vitamin D, and Magnesium Levels
Maintaining good bone strength becomes essential for fall prevention.
Vision & Hearing Assessments
Eye Screening (Yearly)
Checks for:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
These conditions can progress silently and affect quality of life if untreated.
Hearing Test
- Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) can affect cognition, mood, and social engagement.
Nutritional & Vitamin Deficiency Tests
Nutritional & Vitamin Deficiency Tests help detect common deficiencies in Singapore, including:
Low levels can affect:
- Immunity
- Hormones
- Mood
- Bone health
Vitamin B12 / Folate
Important for:
- Energy
- Mood regulation
- Nerve function
Iron Studies and Ferritin Level Test
Especially important for:
- Vegetarians / vegans
- Individuals with fatigue
Screening for Cognitive and Mental Health
Memory Health & Dementia Risk Assessments
- Cognitive Function Assessment
- MRI Dementia Protocol
Early detection of dementia or mild cognitive impairment allows for early intervention and planning.
Depression & Mood Screening
Mental wellness is crucial but often overlooked in seniors. Screening helps identify anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal.
Vaccinations Recommended After 60
- Influenza Vaccine (Yearly)
- Pneumococcal Vaccine (Once or per schedule)
- Shingles Vaccines (2 dose) - Helps prevent painful shingles outbreaks.
- Tdap Booster (Every 10 years)
Vaccination remains a vital part of preventive care as immunity weakens with age.
Other Tests to consider
Urea Breath Test (UBT) – For Detecting Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
The Urea Breath Test is a highly accurate, non-invasive test used to detect H. pylori, a common bacteria that can infect the stomach lining.
H. pylori infection is associated with:
- Chronic gastritis
- Stomach ulcers
- Indigestion and bloating
- Increased long-term risk of stomach cancer
Who Should Consider It
- Individuals with persistent stomach discomfort, reflux, bloating, or indigestion
- Those with a family history of gastric cancer
- Anyone previously treated for H. pylori who needs confirmation of eradication
- Early detection allows doctors to treat the infection before it causes long-term damage.
Gut Microbiome Test - Understanding Your Digestive and Immune Health
A gut microbiome analysis examines the population of bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms living in your digestive tract.
Using advanced sequencing techniques, this test measures:
- The diversity of your gut bacteria
- Levels of beneficial vs. harmful microbes
- Markers linked to digestion, metabolism, inflammation, and immunity
Your gut microbiome influences:
- Digestion & nutrient absorption
- Weight regulation & metabolism
- Immune system strength (over 70% of immunity sits in the gut)
- Inflammation levels
- Mood and brain function (gut-brain axis)
- An imbalanced microbiome (dysbiosis) can contribute to:
- Bloating, constipation, IBS, acid reflux
- Low energy or brain fog
- Skin issues (acne, eczema)
- Poor immunity
- Weight fluctuations
Who Should Consider It
- Individuals with persistent digestive symptoms
- People seeking personalised diet or lifestyle advice
- Anyone with chronic inflammation, allergies, or autoimmune tendencies
- Those wanting to optimise long-term wellness
IgG Food Intolerance Test – Identifying Delayed Food Sensitivities
Unlike food allergies (immediate reactions), IgG food intolerance involves a delayed immune response, often appearing hours or days after eating certain foods.
The test measures your body’s IgG antibody levels to a wide variety of foods, commonly dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, nuts, shellfish, gluten-containing grains, and more.
Food intolerances often cause subtle, chronic symptoms such as:
- Bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhoea
- Headaches or migraines
- Fatigue
- Eczema or acne
- Joint pains
- Brain fog
- Mood fluctuations
Because delayed reactions are hard to link to specific foods, the IgG test provides objective data to guide an elimination or rotation diet.
Who Should Consider It
- Individuals with chronic digestive discomfort
- Anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, skin issues, or migraines
- People wanting a personalised nutrition plan
- Those who suspect certain foods worsen their symptoms
This test helps reduce inflammation and improve daily wellbeing by identifying problem foods.
Cortisol Level Test – Assessing Stress & Adrenal Function
Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. It follows a daily rhythm: highest in the morning, lowest at night.
This test measures:
- Total cortisol levels
- Daily cortisol pattern (morning peak, evening decline)
- Potential adrenal fatigue or overactivity
Abnormal cortisol levels can contribute to:
- Persistent fatigue
- Difficulty losing weight
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety or mood issues
- High blood pressure
- Blood sugar imbalances
- Weakened immunity
Chronically high cortisol (due to prolonged stress) may increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and burnout. Very low cortisol could signal adrenal insufficiency.
Who Should Consider It
- Individuals with ongoing stress or burnout symptoms
- Those with sleep difficulties, low energy, or frequent infections
- People with stubborn belly fat or slow metabolism
- Anyone wanting a deeper look at stress-related health patterns
A cortisol test provides important information for personalised lifestyle, sleep, and stress-management plans.
How Often Should People Over 60 Screen?
After age 60, health risks increase significantly. Regular screening helps detect heart disease, kidney decline, osteoporosis, cognitive issues, and cancers early. Annual screening is strongly recommended for this age group.
Age Gracefully With Regular Health Screening
Health screening after age 60 is not just about detecting disease, it’s about protecting your independence, mobility, and overall quality of life.
At our clinic, we provide comprehensive health screening packages designed specifically for seniors, with a focus on accurate diagnosis, preventive care, and long-term wellness.
If you or your loved one is due for a screening, this is the perfect time to start.
Health Screening at Regis Medical
Patient-first, Holistic, Dedicated Healthcare
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