People have been urged to get two vital health checks done as soon as they hit 66. An expert recommended getting these free tests sorted as soon as you can to ensure a healthy retirement. For many, retirement is something to look forward to.

No longer having to work means more time for the things you love, such as spending time with friends and family, as well as hobbies. However, this comes at a time in your life when you may not be as healthy as you once were.

With this in mind, psychologist Gregory Fitzgibbon advised keeping on top of your physical wellbeing to make sure you are actually able to enjoy retirement. Writing for the British Heart Foundation, he said: “It’s important to be healthy in retirement so you can enjoy it to the full.

"This means making time for your health before you retire, such as attending health checks for risk factors for heart and circulatory conditions, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and having regular dental, eye and hearing checks.” Both a blood pressure and cholesterol test can be carried out for free.

You can ask your pharmacy or GP to check your blood pressure, and the latter can also test your cholesterol.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension, is sometimes referred to as a “silent killer”. This is because it typically does not cause symptoms and can go undetected for years.

If not treated, it can raise your risk of heart attack and stroke. It is thought around a third of adults in the UK are living with high blood pressure.

The NHS advises that you should have a blood pressure test “if you're worried about your blood pressure at any time”. You can have this test done as part of an NHS Health Check, if you’re aged 40 or over, which is offered to adults in England aged 40 to 74 every five years.

“If you have been diagnosed with high or low blood pressure, or you have a high risk of developing either, you may need more frequent checks of your blood pressure,” the NHS says. Your local pharmacy may also be able to check your blood pressure for free or you can buy a kit to test it at home.

As a general guide:

• Normal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg (this applies if it's measured at home or at a pharmacy, GP surgery or clinic)
• High blood pressure is considered to be 135/85 or higher if your reading was taken at home, or 140/90mmHg or higher if your reading was taken at a pharmacy, GP surgery or clinic
• Low blood pressure is considered to be 89/59mmHg or lower.

High cholesterol

Like hypertension, high cholesterol does not usually cause symptoms. People typically only find out they have it from a blood test.

Having high cholesterol means you have an excess of a fatty substance known as cholesterol in your blood. While a certain amount of cholesterol is needed by the body, having too much can be dangerous.

This is because it can build up in the arteries, causing them to harden and narrow. It is also a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.

The NHS states that your doctor may recommend having a test if you’re over the age of 40. It says: “Your GP might suggest having a test to check if your cholesterol level is high.

“This may be because of your age, weight or a condition you have (like high blood pressure or diabetes).” The health body says you should ask your GP surgery for a cholesterol test if you have not had a test before and you're over 40, overweight, or high cholesterol or heart problems run in your family.

Alongside these checks, Mr Fitzgibbon recommended other habits to stick to in order to stay healthy in your retirement. He added: “A healthy lifestyle, such as eating a diet with lots of vegetables, fruits and wholegrains, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly, is also essential.

“Staying active is especially important as it offers social and mental health benefits as well as physical ones. It does not really matter what you do – join a dance club or go for a walk in nature. Pets, like a dog that needs to be walked regularly, can be a great way to exercise and get together with friends at the same time.”

State Pension age is currently 66 years old for both men and women. You can check when you'll receive your State Pension using the GOV.UK checker.