Issue 534 – Adult Preventive Health Services Expanded to Age 30

Many young adults have a relatively low awareness of health risks. However, surveys show that among Taiwanese aged 30–39, 18.7% already have hyperlipidemia, 9.7% have hypertension, and 2.5% have hyperglycemia, indicating a clear trend toward the earlier onset of the “three highs” (high blood lipids, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar). To address this issue, the eligibility age for Adult Preventive Health Services has been lowered from 40 to 30 years. The Health Promotion Administration (HPA) calls on the public to embrace the concept of “Establishing health at thirty”, encouraging people to make good use of preventive health services to regularly monitor their health indicators, initiate early prevention, and effectively reduce future medical burdens.

Strengthening Early Detection and Risk Stratification

Over 300,000 People Aged 30–39 Have Benefited

According to the statistics on the top ten causes of death in 2024, chronic diseases related to the three highs account for 50% of the top ten causes of death. Data from the 2019–2023 National Nutrition and Health Survey show that among people aged 30–39, the prevalence rates are 18.7% for hyperlipidemia, 9.7% for hypertension, and 2.5% for hyperglycemia, with prevalence increasing steadily with age. Many young adults perceive themselves as being at low risk and often have no obvious symptoms, which can result in missed opportunities for early intervention. Previously, Adult Preventive Health Services were only available starting at age 40, which is no longer sufficient to address modern lifestyles and the trend of chronic diseases affecting younger populations.

HPA Director-General Ching-Fen Shen stated that beginning January 1, 2025, the eligibility age for Adult Preventive Health Services has been lowered to 30 years. The goal is to encourage people to view health as their most important investment starting at age 30. Early prevention can significantly reduce future healthcare costs. Adult Preventive Health Services are not merely health checks, but a comprehensive health promotion strategy. With the implementation of the new policy, more young adults can undergo health screenings earlier, build health awareness, and adjust their lifestyles based on professional medical advice.

As of November 2025, more than 300,000 individuals aged 30–39 have used Adult Preventive Health Services for the first time in their lives. Medical institutions assist participants through early risk identification, health behavior interventions, and necessary referrals, forming a pathway of

“early detection → interventions such as dietary adjustment, physical activity, or weight management → reduced future disease burden.”

This approach ensures that screening goes beyond simply understanding test results and helps individuals adopt concrete improvement strategies to lower long-term disease risk.

Age-Based Screening Frequency

Linking Health Checks and Counseling to Behavioral Change

The frequency of Adult Preventive Health Services is designed according to age group and health risk. Currently, the services are provided once every five years for individuals aged 30–39, once every three years for those aged 40–64, and annually for those aged 65 and older. Service components include health behavior assessments, physical examinations, blood tests, urine tests, and health education counseling. These services enable early intervention for six common health issues among the population: blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipids, kidney function, liver function, and body mass index (BMI).

To further enhance the effectiveness of health examinations, starting in 2025, the health education and counseling component has been expanded to include chronic disease risk assessment, kidney disease stage notification, and educational guidance such as 150 minutes of physical activity per week and balanced nutrition based on the healthy plate model, with the aim of improving health literacy among the public.

A Nationwide Call: Health Is the Best Investment

Director-General Shen emphasized, “Adult Preventive Health Services are not only for people with symptoms—they are a key tool for preventing the three highs.” She reminded the public that regular checkups help individuals better understand their health status, detect potential risks early, and maintain optimal health through medical care and lifestyle management. Chronic diseases often present no obvious symptoms in their early stages; regular health checks help establish personal baseline values and identify trends over time, making it easier to detect abnormalities early and discuss follow-up care with healthcare professionals.

The Health Promotion Administration urges all individuals aged 30 and above to receive Adult Preventive Health Services regularly and to begin prevention in daily life through actions such as regular physical activity and smoking cessation, thereby initiating long-term health management and reducing the risk of the three highs.

Source: Health Promotion Administration

(https://health99.hpa.gov.tw/health99/Subject/Detail/39815?nodeId=10)