As you approach the age of 66, experts strongly recommend taking advantage of two essential free health tests that are crucial for maintaining your wellbeing in retirement. These screenings can help detect underlying risks, allowing you to take proactive steps for a longer, healthier life.
Retirement is a time many look forward to—an opportunity to relax, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy hobbies. However, it also marks a stage when health concerns may arise more frequently. Psychologist Gregory Fitzgibbon, writing for the British Heart Foundation, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing health as you enter this phase.
“Being healthy in retirement allows you to enjoy it to the fullest,” Fitzgibbon explains. “This includes attending regular health checks for heart and circulatory conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, alongside dental, eye, and hearing screenings.”
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Both blood pressure and cholesterol tests are available free of charge across the UK. You can request a blood pressure test at your local pharmacy or through your GP, who can also carry out a cholesterol test.
High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer,” usually has no obvious symptoms but significantly raises the risk of heart attack and stroke if left untreated. Around one in three adults in the UK live with hypertension. The NHS advises getting your blood pressure checked if you have any concerns or as part of an NHS Health Check if you’re aged between 40 and 74, repeated every five years.
Similarly, high cholesterol remains symptomless until identified by a blood test. Excess cholesterol can build up in arteries, causing narrowing and increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular events. The NHS recommends cholesterol testing for those over 40, especially if you are overweight, have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, or have a family history of heart disease.
Regularly monitoring these indicators helps catch potential problems early, giving you more control over your health during retirement. Fitzgibbon also suggests maintaining a healthy lifestyle by consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, staying active, getting adequate sleep, and keeping a healthy weight.
“Physical activity is vital not just for the body but also for mental and social wellbeing. Whether it’s walking, dancing, or exercising with a pet, staying active improves your quality of life,” he adds.
The State Pension age in the UK is currently 66 for men and women. If you want to check your exact pension start date, use the official GOV.UK State Pension age checker.