Have you been waiting for this bright, summer sun all year long? Now that it’s here and you’re enjoying the longer days and warmer temperatures, don’t forget to protect your body from the harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays. Not only are UV rays the #1 cause of skin cancer, but they can also damage your eyes, burn your skin, and mar your appearance. So if you want to have fun in the sun, keep these sun safety tips for seniors in mind.
Sun Safety Tips for Seniors
Apply (and reapply) sunscreen.
According to the American Cancer Society, it is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above. The broad-spectrum label conveys that the product protects against UVA and UVB rays, and SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97 percent of UVB rays (a higher SPF is better, but not by much). Remember that sunscreen is not a “one-and-done” product; you must reapply it every two hours to ensure that your skin is continually protected. Additionally, reapply sunscreen if you’ve been swimming or sweating.
Because seniors have more delicate skin, they are especially vulnerable to skin cancer and skin infections. So even if you’ll be out in the sun briefly, wear sunscreen! Try using a moisturizer with SPF to make sunscreen a part of your daily routine. It’s not too late to do serious damage to your skin, and years of sun tanning and sunburns in your youth make you more susceptible to skin issues in your sunset years.
Cover up.
Most people think of summer as a time to wear less clothing – trading pants for shorts, long-sleeve shirts for sleeveless tops, etc. – but this leaves your skin vulnerable if you’re in bright sunlight. Instead, wear light, loose, breathable clothing in fabrics like linen and cotton, covering as much of your body as possible. Top it off with a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head and face.
Stay in the shade.
Whenever possible, stay in the shade to avoid exposing your skin to UV rays. This is especially important between 10:00am and 4:00pm, when the sun is strongest. If you’re on the go, you could carry an umbrella for shade.
Wear a pair of shades.
Sunglasses don’t just make you look cool; they also protect your eyes from UV rays. When purchasing a pair of sunglasses, look for some that block at least 99 percent of UV light.
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We know that you love the summer sun, but it’s important to remember that the sun is dangerous as well. If you don’t take the proper precautions, UV rays can threaten your health and well-being. Did you know that the odds of developing skin cancer increase with age? In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
Don’t let the sun ruin your summer fun. With a little preventative action, you can protect your skin and your eyes from the sun’s perilous UV rays.
Are you looking for an assisted living community in Tennessee? Check out Hearthside Senior Living in Collierville and Bartlett. Our warm and inviting communities makes it easy for seniors to embrace a healthy lifestyle, with home-cooked and restaurant-style meals, exercise classes, and a nurse devoted to residents’ health and wellness. To learn more about our amenities and services, please contact us online.