Many people, especially senior citizens, do not like visiting the doctor. Sometimes one of the most difficult tasks in caring for seniors is convincing them to see a doctor. Most elderly people do not mind seeing a doctor when they are feeling sick, but often times they do not see the value in routine checkups, have a fear of hospitals, or do not want to find out that they might need an operation. However, doctors’ visits are very important for aging adults in order to stay healthy and increase life expectancy.
How often a senior should visit the doctor really depends on their overall health and the medications they are taking. If there is a history of disease in the family or you are regularly taking medications, it might be important to get check more regularly. The older we get the more in-depth and involved medical visits can be, but these extensive visits are extremely important to help catch or prevent any medical issues that could be potentially life threatening.
According to the Aetna Health Care guide, healthy adults between the ages of 65 and 70 should see their doctor for routine care and a complete exam once a year. Seniors between the ages of 70 and 80 should visit more frequently at about every six months, and those over 80 should visit every three months. If seniors have chronic health issues, they should visit their doctor as often as is recommended by their physician.
