3 Medical Routines That Older People May Not Need
“The treatment may be more burdensome than the condition itself."
By
Paula Span
May 22, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: 3 Medical Routines That Older People May Not Need
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Screening and treatment decisions in older adults Key Mechanisms Risks and benefits of procedures and medications vary with age Target Population Older adults, particularly those over 75 Care Setting Primary care and specialty clinics
Key Highlights
Colonoscopy benefits diminish after age 75, with low risk of colon cancer, according to recent research. Actinic keratoses rarely progress to cancer; treatment may be more burdensome, as noted by experts. Levothyroxine may not be necessary for some older adults with subclinical hypothyroidism, based on recent findings. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Consider the patient's overall health and life expectancy when recommending screenings, as suggested by experts. Management
Active surveillance for actinic keratoses instead of immediate removal, as proposed by dermatology experts. Gradual tapering of levothyroxine for select older adults, based on recent research findings. Monitoring & Follow-up
Regular assessments for patients on levothyroxine to determine necessity, as recommended by endocrinology experts. Risks
Increased complications from colonoscopy in older patients, as highlighted in recent studies. Potential harm from unnecessary medications like levothyroxine, according to recent research. Patient & Prescribing Data
Older adults, particularly those over 60 with specific conditions.
Some may not require lifelong treatment with levothyroxine.
Clinical Best Practices
Evaluate the necessity of screenings and treatments based on individual patient circumstances, as advised by experts. Discuss risks and benefits of procedures with patients, especially those with limited life expectancy, as recommended by clinical guidelines. Related Resources & Content
