Alternative: Only recommended if there are worrying urinary symptoms or a strong family history.
MRIs or CT scans for common pains
It’s normal to experience muscle or joint pain with age. However, having an MRI or CT scan for every ache or pain can lead to irrelevant findings (“incidental findings”) that result in further unnecessary tests or surgeries.
Risks: Radiation, anxiety, and avoidable medical expenses.
Cardiovascular screening tests if there are no symptoms
Electrocardiograms, stress tests, or angiographies are not always necessary in older adults without cardiac symptoms .
Risks: Invasive procedures, false positives, unnecessary medication use.
Alternative: Blood pressure and cholesterol control, and healthy habits.
Conclusion: More age, more wisdom… and smarter medical decisions
After age 70, the key isn’t getting more tests , but getting the right tests . Avoiding unnecessary exams can reduce risks, costs, and anxiety. Always talk to your doctor before making any decisions: prevention isn’t just about getting tested, it’s about living a healthy life.
