4 Ways Annual Physicals Change As You Age

Over a lifetime, you experience countless moments with loved ones, friends, and your community. Milestones of growing up, maturing, and aging mark a life well lived. As you navigate these stages, your primary care should grow and adapt alongside you and those you hold dear.

At Living Water Clinic, our experienced family medicine providers serve the communities of Porterville, Lindsay, Woodlake, and Visalia, California. Whether you’re facing health challenges or emergencies, or focusing on prevention, we’re here to help. Preventive care, including annual physical exams, is at the heart of maintaining long-term health.

Annual physicals help track your health year after year, creating a valuable record of your physical history while giving you the opportunity to discuss any concerns, symptoms, or changes with your primary care provider. By prioritizing these exams, you take an essential step toward building a foundation for lifelong health and wellness.

Some aspects of your annual physical remain consistent over the years, but others evolve as you move through life’s stages. Here are four key ways your annual physical exam changes as you age.

1. Physicals for Children and Young Adults: Tracking Development

Family medicine includes pediatric care, which ensures children grow and develop healthily from infancy through young adulthood. Annual visits during childhood focus on developmental milestones, necessary immunizations to prevent infectious diseases, and overall wellness.

As a young adult, your annual physical tracks ongoing developmental changes and creates a baseline for health metrics like body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. While young adults typically have a lower risk of chronic illness, early health monitoring can identify potential concerns and encourage healthy habits.

Additionally, young people benefit from discussions with their doctor about emotional well-being, lifestyle habits, and family planning. These visits are an opportunity to introduce women’s health services and screenings tailored to their individual needs.

2. Middle Age: Managing Health

Entering your 40s often brings new health challenges, including an increased risk for chronic illnesses like diabetes or hypertension. That’s why keeping up with annual exams becomes more crucial than ever during this stage of life.

Your appointments may now focus more on preventive screenings and managing health risks. Providers discuss lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, moderating alcohol use, and protecting your skin from the sun.

3. Hormonal Changes and Adaptation in Your Golden Years

In your 50s, your body undergoes noticeable changes due to hormonal shifts, such as menopause. These changes may lead to challenges like weight gain, decreased bone and muscle mass, insomnia, fatigue, and a reduced libido.

Your annual physical offers consistent support during this time, providing personalized recommendations for health care options and treatments to help you stay strong, independent, and vibrant.

4. Older Age: Renewed Focus on Preserving Health

By your 60s and beyond, your physical exam focuses on preserving your health and addressing age-related concerns. Preventive screenings, treatments, and lifestyle recommendations aim to keep you feeling your best.

If you face health issues like osteoporosis or arthritis, your physical exam provides a platform to discuss tailored treatments and interventions with your provider.

For comprehensive, lifelong health care, trust the team at Living Water Clinic. Call 559-784-5483 to schedule your next physical exam, or request an appointment online today!