Regular health checkups are the key to catching potential health issues before they become serious. But not all medical tests are necessary for everyone at every age. A customized approach — one that changes as you grow older — is essential for lifelong wellness.
In this guide, we break down the most important health screenings and tests by age group to help you stay on top of your health at every stage of life.
Why Regular Health Checkups Matter
Preventive health checkups can:
- Detect problems early
- Improve chances of successful treatment
- Save money in the long run
- Boost overall health and longevity
Even if you feel fine, silent conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol can cause long-term damage without obvious symptoms. Early diagnosis can be life-saving.
Health Checkup List by Age Group
Ages 0–12: Infants and Children
Routine checkups during childhood are essential for monitoring growth, development, and early signs of illness.
Key Screenings:
- Newborn screening: Genetic, metabolic, and hearing tests
- Vaccinations: As per the immunization schedule
- Height, weight, BMI: Growth monitoring
- Vision and hearing tests
- Dental checkups: Starting at age 1
- Developmental assessments: Language, motor skills, social behavior
- Lead screening: If at risk, usually between 12–24 months
Frequency:
- Newborns: Weekly to monthly checkups
- Toddlers and school-aged children: Once a year
Ages 13–19: Teenagers
Adolescence is a critical time to build lifelong health habits and monitor changes related to puberty and mental health.
Key Screenings:
- Physical exam: Yearly
- Vision and hearing
- Blood pressure
- BMI and nutritional counseling
- Mental health evaluation
- Sexual health: STD screening if sexually active
- Immunizations: HPV, meningitis, Tdap boosters
- Acne and skin evaluations
Frequency: Annual wellness exam
Ages 20–29: Early Adulthood
Even if you’re healthy, your 20s are a good time to establish a health baseline and catch issues early.
Key Screenings (Both Genders):
- Annual physical exam
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol check: Every 4-6 years if normal
- Blood glucose (diabetes) test: If overweight or family history
- Skin exam: Self-check for moles or spots
- STD screening: Especially if sexually active
- Mental health screening: Depression and anxiety
- Dental exam: Every 6 months
Women:
- Pap smear: Every 3 years starting at 21
- Breast self-exams: Monthly
- HPV test: Starting at 30 or earlier if abnormal Pap
Men:
- Testicular self-exam
Frequency: Annual checkups, plus specific tests every few years
Ages 30–39: Building the Health Foundation
This is when many chronic conditions begin to develop. Preventive care becomes even more important.
Key Screenings (Both Genders):
- Physical exam: Yearly
- Blood pressure: Every 1–2 years
- Cholesterol panel: Every 4–6 years
- Blood sugar test: Every 3 years, especially if overweight
- Skin check: Annual dermatologist visit if at risk
- Mental health check: Especially for stress and anxiety
- Eye exam: Every 2 years or as recommended
Women:
- Pap smear + HPV test: Every 5 years if normal
- Breast exam by doctor: Every 1–3 years
- Fertility and hormone tests: If trying to conceive
Men:
- Testosterone level: If symptoms present
- Prostate discussion: If family history of early prostate cancer
Frequency: Annual wellness visits and as advised by your doctor
Ages 40–49: Midlife Monitoring
This decade often brings more stress, lifestyle changes, and increased disease risks. Screenings intensify.
Key Screenings (Both Genders):
- Annual physicals
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose tests
- Thyroid function tests
- Skin exam
- Colon cancer screening: Begin at 45 (earlier if family history)
- Eye exam: Every 2 years, check for glaucoma
Women:
- Mammogram: Start at 40, every 1–2 years
- Bone density (DEXA scan): If risk factors present
- Pap + HPV test: Every 5 years
Men:
- Prostate health: Discuss PSA testing starting at 45–50
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening: If smoker
Frequency: At least one annual exam with routine tests
Ages 50–59: The Prevention Powerhouse
This decade is crucial for early detection of age-related diseases. Many screenings become standard now.
Key Screenings (Both Genders):
- Annual physicals
- Blood tests: Cholesterol, sugar, thyroid, liver, and kidney function
- Colonoscopy: Every 10 years or as advised
- Bone density: For women and men with risk factors
- Hearing tests: Baseline at 50
- Eye exam: Check for cataracts, glaucoma
- Vaccinations: Shingles, flu, pneumococcal (if recommended)
Women:
- Mammogram: Every 1–2 years
- Menopause-related tests: Hormones, bone health
Men:
- PSA and prostate exam: Based on risk and preference
Frequency: Annual checkups with multiple screenings every 1–5 years
Ages 60–69: Staying Ahead of Aging
As age increases, so does vulnerability to chronic illnesses. Routine health screenings are a must.
Key Screenings (Both Genders):
- Complete physicals
- Colonoscopy: If not already done
- Cardiac evaluation: ECG, stress test if at risk
- Hearing and vision tests: Annually
- Bone density test
- Mental health and cognitive screening
- Vaccinations: Flu, shingles, pneumococcal, COVID-19 boosters
- Fall risk assessment
Women:
- Mammogram: Continue based on doctor’s advice
- Pelvic exam: Based on symptoms
Men:
- Prostate health monitoring
- AAA screening: Especially for former smokers
Frequency: Annual health exams with comprehensive evaluations
Ages 70 and Above: Prioritizing Quality of Life
The focus here is on independence, managing chronic conditions, and maintaining mental health.
Key Screenings (Both Genders):
- Annual physicals
- Comprehensive blood work
- Cognitive health: Memory, dementia screenings
- Hearing and vision
- Bone health: Annual assessment
- Depression screening
- Cancer screenings: Continue based on health status
- Mobility and fall risk assessments
- Medication review: To prevent drug interactions
Women and Men:
- Doctor may discontinue certain screenings based on overall health
Bonus Tips: How to Stay on Track
- Keep a health journal: Note test dates, results, and doctor recommendations.
- Schedule all annual checkups together: Use your birthday month as a reminder.
- Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to clarify why a test is needed.
- Use technology: Set reminders using apps or calendars.
Final Thoughts
Your body changes with age — and so should your approach to healthcare. Staying proactive with age-appropriate health checkups helps you lead a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life.
Make sure to consult your primary care doctor to personalize your screening schedule based on personal and family health history. Prevention is always better than cure — and regular checkups are your best preventive tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I still need checkups if I feel healthy?
A: Yes. Many conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can exist without symptoms.
Q: Can I skip screenings if I eat healthy and exercise?
A: A healthy lifestyle helps but doesn’t replace medical evaluations. Genetics and environment also play roles.
Q: Are checkups covered by insurance?
A: Most preventive services are covered. Always check with your provider.
