It is estimated that by 2030, a quarter of Singapore’s population will be above the age of 65. It is common for the elderly to develop medical problems, ranging from the usual aches / pains to chronic diseases such as hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes (up to half of people above 65 years old have hypertension!).
1. The elderly has specific health screening recommendations.
Some common health problems that the elderly face include:
- Cognitive decline (e.g., memory loss/depression)
- Balance issues
- Heart diseases
- Osteoporosis
- Respiratory disease such as Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in smokers
- Chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol
- Influenza/Pneumonia
- Cancer: Women have higher cervical/breast cancer and men have colon/prostate cancer risk
2. Affordable & Subsidized Screening
Health Promotion Board (HPB) runs the Screen for Life (SFL), a national screening
programme that encourages Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents to go for
regular health screening and follow-up. This allows early detection and treatment of
medical conditions and are available ONLY at CHAS private clinics.
There are several basic tests covered under SFL that are recommended based on age
groups. Chronic illness covers cholesterol and sugar check for diabetes. Cervical
cancer (for females) cover Pap smears /
HPV test at
intervals.
Screen for Life (SFL)
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Above Age 25 | Above Age 40 | Above Age 50 |
|
Screen for: Cervical cancer |
Screen for: Chronic illness Cervical cancer |
Screen for: Colorectal cancer Breast cancer Chronic illness Cervical cancer |
3. Health screening for the elderly may require more tests
The elderly may often have many health complaints that may not be covered fully by
performing the above SFL cancer & chronic disease checks. Just as screening in the
younger age groups are best done based on customization to your health needs, the
elderly can benefit from targeted screening.
Here at ATA, we put together a Silver
Package , including tests we feel are beneficial for yearly checks. These
include:
- Biometric Examination
- Comprehensive blood analysis: Cholesterol, sugar, liver, kidney, full blood count, thyroid panel, hepatitis status, selected cancer markers, bone & joint profile, ultrasound carotid (for stroke risk) and bone mass density using ultrasound heel device
- Urine test
- Medical consultation with our doctors
- Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) for memory screening *if deemed necessary during consultation
We also have further options to top up mammograms and ultrasounds at affordable prices.
4. There are recommended vaccinations for the elderly (>65)
It is not only children who require vaccinations to protect against common viruses.
Our elderly is susceptible to harmful bacteria and viruses as our immune system
weakens with age and certain medical conditions.
There are 2 specific vaccination
recommended for the elderly:
- Influenza (INF) aka common cold. The prevailing flu strains change twice a year, and we recommend flu shots once a year to protect against the common flu strains. This is important regardless of whether one travels as Influenza is present even in Singapore!
- Pneumococcal vaccines prevent pneumococcal disease (e.g. lung, ear, brain or blood infections) caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. As a general recommendation, one dose of the vaccine is administered at age of 65 and a second dose at 66 years. Patients with certain conditions e.g. diabetes, chronic lung disease may require different dosing regimen.
Our centre is well-equipped with the latest Southern Hemisphere (SH) quadrivalent flu vaccine and pneumococcal (PCV13 and PPSV23) vaccines. Pioneer Generation (PG) and Merdeka (MG) cardholders can enjoy complimentary vaccines at our clinic.