Three Medical Routines That Older People May NOT Need
Very interesting -
KFF Health News 05/22/2026 - The New Old Age - 3 Medical Routines That Older People May Not Need
l. Colonoscopy after the age of 76
Never had a colonoscopy; colon cancer is not a hereditary trait in my family - in fact, no cancer at all - every 5-years I did do a non-invasive stool-based colorectal cancer screening test - always negative but if it ever came back positive, I would repeat and then if positive again I might have gotten a colonoscopy. TOO old now to even consider it.
Of course if you have a hereditary history or meet some of the other specifics of being a high risk - definitely get one on the preventive schedule but if nothing shows up by age 76, you be the judge of getting more preventive colonoscopies.
2.Removal of Actinic Keratoses.
I do have some of my actinic keratoses removed - the ones that might get irritate by clothing or if one appears on my face (vanity) but other than that - they just stay. I pay out of pocket to have these removed since Medicare does not pay for cosmetic treatment. -
3. Treating HYPOTHYROIDISM with levothyroxine - trying to boost the levels.
Never had HYPOthyroidism - I did have HYPERthyroidism; tried treatment to gain weight and stop my really rapid heart rate - same thing as with the HYPO - had medication treatment for a while - did not help and the levels moderated so I am not off my HYPERThyroidism medication.
Would be interested in your views on this article - I think it is this kind of stuff that is increasing our health care cost. Most likely in other countries this type of rationale would be investigated and then coverage would be stopped as not medically necessary unless something further developed.