Here’s a practical checklist of the most important health parameters to track in your 50s, with why they matter and how often to check them. Discuss this with your primary care clinician so testing and targets are personalized to your health history and risk factors.
Vital signs and measurements
– Blood pressure: at every visit or at home regularly. Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk.
– Weight, BMI, and waist circumference: monitor for weight gain and central obesity (cardiometabolic risk).
Cardiometabolic risk
– Lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides): at least every 4–5 years if normal; more often if abnormal or on treatment.
– Fasting glucose or HbA1c: at least every 3 years if normal; annually if overweight, prediabetes, or other risk factors.
– Calculate 10-year cardiovascular risk (ASCVD) with your clinician to guide treatment decisions (statins, BP goals).
Heart and vascular health
– Resting ECG if symptoms or risk factors (palpitations, syncope, prior heart disease).
– Discuss cardiac stress testing only if symptoms or high risk.
Cancer screenings (age and gender specific)
– Colorectal cancer: screening recommended (stool-based annually or colonoscopy every 10 years if prior normal). Many guidelines now start at 45, so ensure you’re up to date.
– Breast cancer (women): screening mammography typically every 1–2 years (age and risk-dependent).
– Cervical cancer (women): continue Pap/HPV screening as recommended (usually through age 65 if prior screening up to date).
– Prostate cancer (men): discuss pros/cons of PSA testing with your clinician (shared decision-making), typically starting around 50 (earlier for higher risk).
– Lung cancer: annual low‑dose CT if you meet smoking history criteria (talk with your doctor).
Bone health
– Bone density (DEXA) scan: typically recommended for women at risk (postmenopausal, risk factors) and earlier if risk factors (long steroid use, low body weight). Discuss timing with your provider.
– Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake; address fall risk.
Vaccinations
– Influenza: yearly.
– Shingles (Shingrix): recommended at age 50+ (2-dose series).
– Tdap once, then Td or Tdap booster as recommended (usually every 10 years).
– COVID and pneumococcal vaccines as per current guidelines and personal risk (pneumococcal usually recommended at 65, earlier for high-risk conditions).
Routine labs and organ function
– Basic metabolic panel (kidney, electrolytes) and liver tests if risk factors or on medications affecting these organs.
– Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) if symptoms or risk factors — consider periodic screening if clinically indicated.
– CBC as needed for symptoms (fatigue, bleeding).
Mental, brain, and sensory health
– Depression and anxiety screening (ask about mood, sleep, energy).
– Cognitive screening if you or your family notice memory or thinking changes.
– Hearing and vision checks regularly (at least every 1–2 years or sooner if problems).
Oral health and skin
– Dental exam and cleaning every 6–12 months.
– Skin checks for suspicious moles or lesions (self-check monthly; professional exam if risk factors).
Lifestyle and preventive care
– Tobacco cessation counseling if needed.
– Alcohol intake screening and counseling.
– Physical activity: aim for 150 min/week of moderate exercise + strength training twice weekly.
– Nutrition counseling, weight management.
– Sleep quality and screening for sleep apnea if symptoms (snoring, daytime sleepiness).
– Medication review annually (including supplements) to avoid interactions and unnecessary meds.
Other items to consider
– Hepatitis C screening (one-time for adults born 1945–1965 or universal one-time screening depending on guidelines).
– STI screening if sexually active with new partners or risk factors.
– Advance care planning and discussion of health priorities.
How to use this
– Bring this list to your annual checkup. Your doctor will tailor which tests and how often based on your personal health, family history, and medications.
– Keep a personal record of results and medications. Small, regular checks (BP, weight, routine labs) plus age-appropriate screenings prevent many problems or catch them early.
