Health in Your 70s

Pap test and pelvic exam: If you've been screened previously with normal results, you can stop having Pap tests altogether. However, if you have a new sexual partner or any conditions that put you at high risk for cervical cancer, you need to continue this test every three years (or every five years, if combined with the HPV test). Ask your health care provider what's right for you, and be sure to continue your yearly physical and pelvic exam.

Thyroid test (TSH): Recommendations vary. The American Thyroid Association recommends having a TSH screening test at age 35 and then once every five years. The American Academy of Family Physicians does not recommend screening patients before age 60. And the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force states that there's not enough evidence to recommend for or against thyroid screening in adults. Ask your health care professional for guidance.

Skin exam for skin cancer: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you have your skin examined every year. Recommendations include doing a monthly mole self-exam and practicing sun safety to reduce your risk of damaging your skin and developing skin cancer. If you have had skin cancer or have a relative with a history of melanoma, ask your health care professional for guidance.

Immunizations:

Herpes zoster: If you weren’t vaccinated in your 60s, get the herpes zoster vaccinated once to prevent shingles.

Influenza: Have a yearly influenza vaccination.

Pneumonia: If you have not already been immunized against pneumonia, you should do this now.

Tetanus: Continue to have tetanus boosters every 10 years.