Why Do Older Adults Avoid Health Check-Ups?

Why Do Older Adults Avoid Health Check-Ups? 7 Health Assessment Categories Worth Knowing

As people grow older, their bodies gradually undergo natural changes. Maintaining good health through regular care becomes increasingly important, particularly through appropriate health assessments that help evaluate overall wellbeing and identify potential risk factors.

These assessments can provide useful information for planning personalised healthcare.

However, many families may have experienced situations where their parents or older relatives are reluctant to attend health check-ups, even when encouraged by family members.

The reasons behind this reluctance may be more complex than they initially appear.

Why Are Some Older Adults Reluctant to Attend Health Check-Ups?

Understanding older adults' feelings and concerns may help family members communicate more effectively and encourage appropriate health assessments.

Common reasons include:

1. Feeling Healthy and Having No Symptoms

Some older adults may believe that health assessments are unnecessary when they feel well and have no noticeable symptoms.

However, certain health conditions may develop without obvious symptoms in their early stages.

2. Concerns About Test Results

The fear of discovering an unexpected medical condition or abnormal test result may cause some people to avoid health assessments.

3. Travel Difficulties and Financial Concerns

Mobility limitations, travel distances, and medical expenses may create barriers to accessing healthcare services.

4. Inconvenience or Time-Consuming Appointments

Long waiting times and multiple procedures may discourage some older adults from visiting healthcare facilities frequently.

What Can Encourage Older Adults to Pay More Attention to Their Health?

Beyond understanding why older adults may hesitate to undergo health assessments, creating a supportive environment is also important.

Staying Socially Active

Meeting other people and participating in social activities may help encourage older adults to remain motivated to look after their health.

Having Meaningful Life Goals

Wanting to stay healthy to enjoy favourite activities or spend time with family may encourage greater attention to personal wellbeing.

Receiving Encouragement From Family

Open conversations, listening to concerns, and receiving practical assistance from family members may help older adults feel more confident and comfortable about attending health assessments.

7 Health Assessment Categories Older Adults Should Know About

Health assessments for older adults should be selected according to age, medical history, existing health conditions, medication use, and individual risk factors.

Depending on these considerations, a doctor may recommend assessments from the following categories.

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) evaluates the numbers and characteristics of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

It can provide information that helps doctors assess certain health conditions, including anaemia and some blood-related abnormalities.

Whether this test is necessary depends on individual clinical circumstances.

2. Kidney Function

Kidney function may be evaluated using measurements such as:

• Creatinine

• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)

• Urine tests when appropriate

These assessments may be particularly relevant for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other risk factors for kidney disease.

3. Liver Function

• Liver-related laboratory tests may include:

• AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)

• ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)

• Bilirubin

These measurements can help identify abnormalities that may be associated with liver health.

A doctor will determine the need for testing based on medical history and individual risk factors.

4. Lipid Profile

A Lipid Profile assesses blood lipid levels, including:

• Total Cholesterol

• Triglycerides

• HDL Cholesterol

• LDL Cholesterol

These results provide important information for evaluating cardiovascular risk alongside other health factors.

5. Diabetes Screening

Diabetes screening may involve blood glucose measurements or HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin), depending on individual circumstances.

These tests may help screen for diabetes or monitor an existing diagnosis.

They may be particularly relevant for people who are overweight or have a family history of diabetes.

6. Cardiovascular Risk Markers

In certain situations, doctors may consider additional tests such as:

• Lipoprotein(a), also known as Lp(a)

• High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)

These biomarkers may provide additional information when assessing cardiovascular risk in selected individuals.

However, they are not necessary for every older adult and cannot independently diagnose heart disease.

7. Cancer Screening Based on Individual Risk

Cancer screening should use evidence-based methods selected according to age, sex, family history, and individual risk factors.

Examples include:

• Colorectal cancer screening

• Breast cancer screening in eligible individuals

Doctors should assess whether screening is appropriate and which method is most suitable.

Blood-based Tumour Markers, such as CEA, AFP, CA 15-3, or PSA, have limitations in their interpretation.

They are not suitable as a general screening approach for all types of cancer in the general population.

Medical consultation is therefore recommended before choosing these tests.

How Can You Encourage Older Family Members to Attend Health Check-Ups?

Instead of saying:

“Let's go to the doctor to look for diseases.”

Try a more reassuring approach:

“Let's have a health check-up so we can understand how your body is doing and whether there are any areas that need extra care.”

Using caring, supportive language without applying pressure can help reduce anxiety about medical examinations.

It is also important to allow older adults to express their own opinions and concerns.

Family members may offer practical assistance by:

• Booking appointments in advance

• Arranging transportation

• Accompanying them to the healthcare facility

These small acts of support may make the experience more convenient and comfortable.

Caring for the health of our loved ones does not have to begin only when illness develops.

It can begin with attention, understanding, and appropriate health planning at every stage of life.

Important Note

The types and frequency of health assessments should be determined according to individual needs.

Consulting a doctor before undergoing testing can help identify which examinations are medically appropriate.

Reference

Pengpid, S., Peltzer, K., Hajek, A., Gyasi, R. M., & Anantanasuwong, D. (2025). Correlates of annual health check-up among community-dwelling persons 60 years and older: Longitudinal national evidence from the Health, Aging, and Retirement in Thailand Study, 2015–2022. Preventive Medicine Reports, 59, 103247.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2025.103247