By Kathy Finley, Director of Family Services at Concierge Care Advisors
How DNA Testing Impacts Senior Health
DNA testing has evolved far beyond tracing ancestry—it now offers insights into your health and potential risks for diseases. For seniors, this knowledge can play a pivotal role in planning for the future and making informed lifestyle choices. Let’s explore how DNA testing connects your past to your present health and why it matters for senior health.
DNA Testing for Ancestry and Health: The Dual Benefit
Exploring Ancestry
DNA kits like Family Tree and AncestryDNA allow individuals to uncover family lineages and ancestry stories. While these revelations can be exciting, they sometimes lead to surprising and even unsettling discoveries about family history.
For instance, my husband’s family has long believed they were related to Davy Crockett. A DNA test will soon confirm or challenge this family legend. Similarly, my brother-in-law discovered he wasn’t a Mayflower descendant as he had always believed. Such revelations highlight the emotional impact of ancestry testing.
Senior Health and DNA Testing
Beyond ancestry, DNA testing now includes health-focused analyses. Companies like 23andMe provide testing for genetic predispositions to diseases such as:
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- Celiac disease.
- Certain blood disorders.
- Liver and lung diseases.
These insights allow seniors to take proactive steps to address potential health risks, making DNA testing a powerful tool for senior health planning.
Senior Health: The Dilemma of Knowing Your Risks
Should Seniors Get Tested?
The decision to undergo DNA testing for health risks isn’t simple. For example, my husband’s family has grappled with Alzheimer’s markers. Each sibling has taken a different approach—some embracing testing to plan for the future, others rejecting it out of fear or anger.
Questions to consider:
- Would knowing your genetic predisposition empower you to make lifestyle changes?
- Could it help with financial planning, like securing long-term care insurance before symptoms arise?
- Would it create unnecessary stress or anxiety?
Taking Action Based on Results
For seniors who choose testing, the results can guide meaningful changes, such as:
- Adopting a healthy diet to potentially slow disease progression.
- Increasing physical activity and reducing stress.
- Exploring experimental treatments or medications under a doctor’s supervision.
DNA Testing and Financial Planning for Seniors
Health insights from DNA testing may also affect financial decisions. Seniors might consider:
- Purchasing long-term care insurance before symptoms appear.
- Saving for potential healthcare costs associated with diseases revealed by testing.
- Making legal arrangements to ensure their wishes are met in case of illness.
The Future of Senior Health and DNA Testing
As technology advances, DNA testing will continue to shape the way seniors approach their health. While knowing genetic risks can be daunting, it also empowers seniors to make proactive choices that enhance their quality of life.
Planning for Senior Health with DNA Insights
DNA testing offers seniors a unique opportunity to look into their past while planning for a healthier future. Whether it’s uncovering family history or identifying potential health risks, the information gained can be life-changing.
Are you or a loved one seeking expert advice on senior living and health planning? At Concierge Care Advisors, our senior living experts provide personalized guidance to help families navigate health and lifestyle decisions. From connecting you with resources to exploring living arrangements, we’re here to help. Visit our Contact Us page to connect with a senior living expert today.
