Older adults who want to live and maintain healthy lifestyles shouldn’t be afraid to ask their doctor or senior care services provider questions. Not only will you or your loved one be more in the know about what you could and should be doing to stay healthy but you’ll build a stronger relationship with your physician.

Because women over the age of 50 can begin experiencing a number of different health conditions, it’s important for them to ask their doctor these questions.

“When do I need a mammogram, pap smear or colon cancer test?”
Your doctor can answer this question based on your personal, medical and family histories, as well as your own personal values. Some women who are older may not want to get a cervical cancer screening because it’s a disease that progresses so slowly. Colon cancer, on the other hand, is one test you’ll want to have done.

“Should I be doing anything differently if I’ve started menopause?”
Menopause begins 12 months after a woman’s last menstrual cycle. This important time in a woman’s life also increases her risk for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in females. Menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep difficulties should be discussed with a doctor.

“Are there any supplements I should be taking?”
In order to compensate for common deficiencies, women over the age of 40 should take supplements, especially vitamin D. Calcium-magnesium, a multivitamin and omega-3 are also good supplements for older women to help protect against bone loss.