When you think of the summer sun, it’s easy to focus on light and warmth and growing things. However, the rising awareness of melanoma and other skin cancers makes it hard to argue the fact that sun exposure also comes with dangers. Since skin thins with age, older adults can be particularly vulnerable to the sun’s damaging rays. Scroll down to explore some sun safety tips for seniors.
Sun Safety Tips for Seniors
Every year, more than 5 million people are treated for skin cancer in the U.S., and the majority of them are over 65 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Exploring sun safety tips for seniors is essential and may help reduce your skin cancer risk. It may also help you dodge painful sunburns and avoid other skin damage. What can you do to stay safe in the sun?
Wear Sunscreen
Be sure to choose a quality sunscreen product, and apply it properly. How do you do that? For starters, look for a reputable brand with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30. Choose a product that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Broad-spectrum coverage is also good. Follow the instructions on the label for the application. Many people apply too little product too infrequently. Or, they make the mistake of thinking that a higher SPF will offer protection for a longer period. Why do the job halfway? Don’t skimp on the sunscreen. Be sure to cover commonly missed areas like the back of your ears, neck, and knees. Remember to reapply as needed.
Mind the Time
The sun’s rays are generally the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. While you don’t have to play vampire, minimizing your time in the direct sun during those hours can help protect your skin.
Choose Protective Clothing
Sunscreen isn’t the only way to shield your skin from the sun. You can also don a wide-brimmed hat, a long-sleeved shirt, and other protective clothing. Some clothes do a better job than others because of the way they’re made. Some fabrics may naturally block the sun, and science offers lightweight alternatives that have UV-blocking treatments built-in. You’ll often find these clothes in the athletic department or sporting goods store, but the range of styles is fairly broad. What other protective gear should be in every senior’s arsenal? Sunglasses that protect your vision are a must. Look for ones that filter UV rays.
Be Alert to Medication That Might Make You Sensitive to the Sun
As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration points out, a wide range of drugs can make you more sensitive to the sun. Some of the types of medications that might cause this reaction include the following:
- Antibiotics
- Antihistamines
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs
- Diuretics
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Phenothiazines
- Sulfonamides
- Sulfonylureas for diabetes
- Alpha-hydroxy acids found in cosmetics
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration may not increase your risk of skin cancer, but it is a serious health risk triggered by too much time in the sun. As Mayo Clinic explains, dehydration that progresses can set the stage for a heat injury or other serious health troubles. Unfortunately, seniors have a smaller fluid reserve, so they are at higher risk for dehydration than younger adults. When rehydrating, be careful about what beverages you choose. Drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or excess sugar aren’t good for maintaining hydration. Instead, opt for water. Sports drinks that can replace electrolytes lost through sweating can also be a good choice.