Three Medical Routines That Older People May NOT Need

[GailL1]

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.  

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[5/22/26] @GailL1 , I too have NEVER had a Colonoscopy & NOT "volunteering" for one either. I do the stool sample, probably the same one you do. Have NO idea on Family History as my family DIDNOT "discuss" that. Now with my daughter, she knows ALL of mine. NOT that our kids will get what we have - but info helps their Medical Team to make sometimes "critical" decisions. As of now, meds for High Blood Pressure & Chlolestral. At age 67, working on getting off them BOTH with "lifestyle" changes.

Great discussion as usual!!! 👍

[GailL1]

@SummerOnTheWay1 

For family history - it isn’t about discussing so much as it is what they were treated for or died from - do you know that specifically about your mom and dad?  

Good Luck with the BP and Cholesterol - One may relate to the other then again, maybe not too.  But what works to lower these will definitely help you all the way around.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[5/23/26] @GailL1 , I was 12 when my father died in a car accident. Mother died a few years ago, from what I have NO idea. But I do know she had high blood pressure, diabetes and some OTHER issues (a secret/lol). At age 18, I "walked away" from the family dysfunction. Thanks for the well wishes. 😉