To screen or not to screen after age 75

The older population is heterogenous: at the same age, elderly patients can be robust, frail or dependent. Screening decisions must be individualized, taking into account the remaining life expectancy, the Time to Benefit (TTB: delay until preventive care gives a benefit), and patient preferences. Thus, robust patients, who have a longer life expectancy, can still benefit from some screening tests over age 75 that are inappropriate in vulnerable or dependent patients whose life expectancy is shorter than the TTB. Discussing life expectancy issues remains difficult outside of crises but medical encounters are unique opportunities to inquire about individual preferences and expectations, in order to define care objectives and discuss advanced care planning.