Staying healthy as an adult isn’t just about treating problems—it’s about catching them early. An annual wellness exam helps you track changes, detect risks,

and prevent serious conditions before they start. As we age, the checklist of recommended tests grows, especially after age 50, 60, and 70.

Below is a clear breakdown of what adults should review during a yearly wellness visit and which tests are recommended by age group.

What Is an Annual Wellness Exam?

An annual wellness exam is a preventive checkup where your healthcare provider reviews your overall health, medical history, and risk factors. It typically includes:

• Vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature)
• Height, weight, and BMI
• Medication review
• Vaccination status
• Lifestyle assessment (sleep, diet, activity, alcohol, smoking)
• Chronic condition monitoring (diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol)
• Cognitive and mood screening if needed

Essential Tests for All Adults (Any Age)

These are core screenings adults should consider every year or as recommended:

• Blood pressure check
• Complete physical exam
• Lipid panel (cholesterol)
• Blood sugar or A1C test
• Kidney and liver function tests
• Thyroid function test (TSH)
• Skin cancer check
• Depression and anxiety screening
• Vision and hearing check (every 1–2 years)

Tests Adults Should Get After 50, 60, and 70

🔵 Tests Adults Should Get After 50

Once you reach 50, risk for cancer, metabolic diseases, and heart issues increases. These screenings become important:

• Colorectal cancer screening (colonoscopy every 10 years or stool tests yearly)
• Mammogram (women) – every 1–2 years
• PSA blood test (men) – prostate cancer screening
• Bone density test (women over 50)
• Eye exam for glaucoma and cataracts
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (men who smoked)
• Vitamin D level
• Thyroid function (TSH) annually
• Cardiac calcium score (risk-based)

🔵 Tests Adults Should Get After 60

After 60, screenings focus heavily on heart disease, cognition, and degenerative changes:

• Repeat colonoscopy (if due)
• Mammogram (women 60+)
• Bone density test (men may start at 60+)
• Hearing test annually
• Comprehensive eye exam annually
• Lung cancer screening (low-dose CT) if you have a smoking history
• Vitamin B12 levels
• Electrocardiogram (EKG) if heart symptoms or risk factors
• Cognitive screening (memory, mental clarity)

🔵 Tests Adults Should Get After 70

After 70, the emphasis shifts to maintaining independence, preventing falls, and monitoring organ function:

• Bone density test every 2 years
• Hearing test every year
• Annual vision test (macular degeneration check)
• Kidney function panel (GFR, creatinine)
• Electrolytes and metabolic panel
• Heart monitoring tests (EKG, echocardiogram if needed)
• Screening for balance and fall risk
• Thyroid test annually
• Cognitive health exam (dementia screening)
• Review of medications for side effects/interactions

Some cancer screenings (like colonoscopy) may be reduced or stopped depending on overall health and life expectancy—your doctor will guide you.

Why These Screenings Matter

Regular testing can detect diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart problems, and cognitive decline at early, highly treatable stages. Early intervention often means simpler treatment, lower cost, and better long-term quality of life.