Summer is officially here, and you know what that means: long days soaking up the sunshine and its rays. While being outside for extended periods may be OK for you and your family, it can harm seniors. Sun exposure offers benefits – including mood improvement – but children of senior loved ones need to be aware of how long their family members are basking in the sunlight. Here are some tips to protect seniors from sun damage:
Wear the Appropriate Coverage
According to a Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology study, most skin cancers occur among older generations. While less was known about this disease and how to protect against it when this group was in its youth, seniors can take advantage of the current knowledge surrounding the condition. To decrease the chance of skin cancer, older adults should wear the appropriate coverage when they’re out in the sun – no matter the duration of exposure.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommended long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a wide-brimmed hat, UV-filtering sunglasses, and sunscreen.
“Seniors should use sunscreen liberally.”
Reapply Sunscreen Regularly
It’s good practice to use sunscreen liberally, but the lotion won’t last all day. Seniors should choose a sunblock with a high SPF and reapply it frequently. Most sunscreens will have a label detailing how long they will last and their resistance to elements other than the un, including water and wind. Ensuring their skin is always covered by the appropriate clothing or skin protectant can help lengthen seniors’ lives.
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Seek Shade
Although seniors may look forward to the warmth the sun provides, direct rays – especially for elongated periods of time – can have serious consequences. Instead, family members should ensure shade is available on sunny days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Whether it’s the natural coverage of trees or the artificial shield created by an umbrella, this protection allows loved ones to stay outside longer without experiencing too much vulnerability with the sun.
Perform Regular Skin Checks
There are certain health screenings that are imperative for seniors. One of the most important is regular skin checks, performed by self-assessment or by a medical professional. For aging loved ones, these evaluations are best done before or after bathing and should be completed on a monthly basis, according to The American Cancer Society.
Stay Hydrated
Some situations call for seniors to be outside for a good period of time. Whether it’s a family picnic or a birthday party, loved ones need to know their limits regarding sun exposure. Yet, multiple factors play into remaining protected from the dangers of UV rays. One such element is hydration. Drinking enough water can elongate the amount of time seniors can stay outside and help them feel better once they head back indoors.
Stay Inside
There are others when the sun and the perfect temperature are too hot for every sunny day. On these occasions, it’s better for seniors to stay inside. Enjoy the air conditioning, play games, and spend time with your loved ones. A small respite means the next time everyone is out will really be gratifying.
Seniors need to protect themselves from sun exposure. By following the aforementioned steps, family members can ensure their loved ones enjoy the sunlight while still being safe.
