It’s summertime again, which means everyone needs to take extra care to protect their skin. While sun protection is vital for individuals of all ages, seniors are particularly vulnerable to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. These UV rays can significantly impact older adults, putting them at greater risk for sunburns, skin damage and skin cancers or melanomas. This article explores the importance of sun protection for seniors and provides practical tips to help older individuals take care of their skin in summertime.

Sun Safety: Important for Seniors

As we age, our skin becomes more vulnerable to skin conditions like sunburn and skin cancer. In fact, most skin cancers are diagnosed in adults aged 65 years and older. This is because ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes damage to the skin which compounds over one’s lifetime, and aging skin is less able to protect itself from these new and historical exposures. While some skin cancer may be the result of improper skin care from years in the past, it is still vital for seniors to practice sun safety now to prevent future skin cancer. CNAs and Home Health Aids, as well as family caregivers must be vigilant in monitoring any skin changes in seniors.

How Seniors Can Stay Safe in Summer

Luckily, there are many different strategies seniors can employ to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays in the summertime.

• Seek shade when the sun is strongest. Seniors should endeavor to stay inside or in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. These are the hours during which the sun’s rays are the strongest. By staying in the shade, seniors can directly avoid the risk of sunburn and limit UV exposure.
• Wear Protective Clothing. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats are all great ways to add additional skin protection without overheating the body. There are even some clothing materials which can offer similar protection to sunscreens. Generally, clothing with a tighter weave will offer enhanced skin protection. Caregivers should consider this when choosing summer outfits for their client or loved one.
• Apply Sunscreen Daily. Older adults should use a minimum 30 SPF sunscreen on all exposed skin every day, even on cloudy days. Unfortunately, only 26.5% of all older adults regularly use a sunscreen higher than 15 SPF when they go into the sun. Not only should seniors apply a base layer of sunscreen every day, but these individuals should also reapply every 2 hours, or after sweating or swimming, as sunscreen use is one of the best ways to protect the body from UV exposure.

In addition to these three essential tips, seniors should also take care to protect their eyes by wearing sunglasses, drinking plenty of water when outside, and staying aware of any medications they are taking which may increase their sensitivity to sunlight. Skin care in all its forms is essential for seniors and other older adults. By following these key sun safety tips, older adults can reduce their risk of sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer while still enjoying the outdoors for years to come.

Allcare Home Health Agency, Inc., serving the Raleigh/Durham area. Call (919) 301-0236 with your home health care needs.

References

https://www.ocanamedicalcenter.com/sun-protection-for-seniors-importance-and-tips-for-sun-safety#:~:text=Seniors%20should%20wear%20lightweight%2C%20long,weave%20offers%20better%20sun%20protection.

https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/59/Supplement_1/S17/5491127