Overview of key contents of physical examination for the elderly

Physical examination for the elderly should focus onChronic disease screening, organ function assessment, early detection of tumors and mental healthThe four cores unfold. Priority is given to key items such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular (blood pressure, blood lipids, blood sugar), bones and joints (bone density), digestive system (gastrointestinal endoscopy) and cognitive function (Alzheimer's disease screening), followed by sensory examinations such as vision and hearing. Physical examination plans need to be customized based on individual medical history, family genetics and living habits to avoid "one size fits all".

Chronic disease and organ function: basic but critical

Chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are more common in the elderly, so physical examinations must includeFasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and blood lipidsandliver and kidney functiondetection. Taking data from the Geriatrics Department of Beijing Hospital as an example, the detection rate of hypertension among people over 60 years old reaches 52%. Regular monitoring can reduce the risk of complications. At the same time, throughEKG, cardiac color Doppler ultrasoundAssess cardiac function,Pulmonary function testIt is especially important for people who smoke or have chronic cough and asthma.

Tumor screening and bone health: early detection and early intervention

Tumor markers (such as PSA, AFP) combined with imaging (low-dose CT, B-ultrasound) can improve the detection rate of lung cancer, prostate cancer, etc. The Chinese Medical Association recommends that women over 50 years old do this every 2 yearsmammography, men regularlyProstate examination. Osteoporosis is the invisible killer of the elderly.Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)It is the gold standard. Calcium supplements (such as Calcium) and vitamin D supplementation must be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.

Mental health and life ability assessment

Depression and cognitive impairment in the elderly are easily overlooked and can beMini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)Initial screening. Data from the Shanghai Mental Health Center shows that the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment among people over 65 years old reaches 15%. At the same time, activities of daily living (such as dressing and eating) are assessed, and tools such as the Japanese "Laoyan Activity Index" are recommended to help formulate a care plan.

Summary: Pay equal attention to personalization and continuity

Physical examination for the elderly is not a “stack of items” and needs to be combined withFamily history, medication use(If you take aspirin for a long time, you need to have a gastroscopy) andeconomic conditionsFlexible adjustment. It is recommended to choose the geriatric department of a tertiary hospital or a professional physical examination institution (such as Meinian Health). Some items (such as gastroenteroscopy) can be performed once every three years. Remember, the interpretation of the report and follow-up after the physical exam are more important than the exam itself.

Quote sources:
1. "Expert Consensus on Healthy Physical Examination for the Elderly in China" (Geriatric Medicine Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, 2021)
2. "Report on the Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases in People Over 60 Years Old" by the Department of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital
3. Calcium (a calcium supplement brand owned by Pfizer in the United States)
4. Meinian Health (a chain brand of professional physical examination institutions)