Penza explained how medical examination helps to maintain health

Clinical examination for the elderly is not just a formality in the form of testing. This is a real tool that helps you notice the risks in time and, together with your doctor, make a plan for how to stay active longer.

Within the framework of the week of informing about the importance of medical examinations and occupational examinations, the doctor for medical prevention of the Penza Regional Center for Public Health and Medical Prevention Yulia Zakatova told about the features of the examination for the elderly. According to the expert, the main idea is to shift the focus from general testing to age-related risks. The program is based on what problems are more common in older age.

The approach to surveys is differentiated: the older the person, the wider the range of procedures. For people 65+, advanced preventive counseling is often added in the second stage. The doctor helps to correct risk factors - pressure, cholesterol, sugar - and carries out the prevention of senile asthenia, that is, general weakness and loss of strength.

Special emphasis is placed on specific “targets”. The program includes surveys that identify risks that directly affect independence and quality of life. Among them are measurement of intraocular pressure for early detection of glaucoma, examination of stool for hidden blood as intestinal oncoscreening, duplex scan of brachiocephalic arteries for vascular evaluation and spirography for checking lung function. If there are indications of an elderly person, they are sent to narrow specialists - an ophthalmologist, neurologist or surgeon.

In addition, doctors identify not only diseases, but also factors that reduce activity. A specialist may pay attention to cognitive impairment, signs of depression, balance problems, and the risk of falls, vision or hearing impairment. All this directly interferes with an active lifestyle.

Personalization is also important. If a person has several chronic diseases, the doctor will help to prioritize. You need to understand what problems to solve in the first place, so as not to overload the body with treatment and save strength for daily activity.

According to the results of medical examination, the doctor does not just make a diagnosis. He makes an individual plan. It can be prescribed proper nutrition, physical activity, prevention of falls, stress management and medication. Also, the specialist will tell you which doctors to consult additionally and which risk factors should be monitored regularly.

The doctor stressed that it is never too late to start introducing healthy habits, even if the person used to lead a less active lifestyle. According to her, medical examination is a great start to understand where to start and get the support of a doctor on the way to longevity.