Endoscopy for the elderly. Is it safe?

Any procedure has it’s risks and you have to balance the good with the bad.
Is the person bleeding in the GI tract and providers can’t find the source? What is the purpose of the test?
Unfortunately Joan Rivers passed from complications of an elective endoscopy. She was a favorite comedienne of mine. She was over 80 yrs old!
Any procedure requires faith & involved risks.

I would really, really think about this and go with your gut instinct. My mom had one when she was 75. None of us questioned it. Two hours after that procedure, mom became very ill and stayed sick for 6 weeks as a result of that test and also had a chipped tooth. By the way, the test revealed nothing, all was negative, but we realized my mom did not actually need it. My personal opinion is that after we get to 70 years old, it's best not to fix something if it isn't broken.
It is OK to turn down a test. Could you ask the doctor who recommended it what specifically they think the test may reveal and if there is another non-invasive test instead? Even after you ask these questions, the doctor might just stand his ground, but you might have a better feeling for things.

What are they looking for? How old is the person. When my daughter had one as a child, she was put in a twilight sleep.

For Riverdale - Just my opinion, but without knowing any background I would question why a colonoscopy is needed especially if there is no history of issues. I would also ask if a fecal sample showed presence of blood? If a fecal test was done that showed negative on blood, and there are no symptoms, I would probably consider taking a pass - more so if the person may be negatively affected by the stress of the procedure. I also thought a colonoscopy is no longer recommended beyond the age of 75, so that's kind of on the border. Best to you as you decide.