Summer Fun in the Sun for Seniors: Tips on Avoiding Sun Damage

It’s summertime – time for swimming, walks in the garden, relaxing on the porch with family and friends and playing outside with the grandchildren. It is important, though, to be smart about skincare in the hot summer sun.

As we get older, spending too much time in the sun can damage our skin and body even more than when we’re younger – from cataracts to skin cancer. Before you go outside, take a look at these tips to protect yourself.

·         Always wear sunscreen! As you age, the outer layer of your skin becomes thinner and more translucent. You should be applying sunscreen about 30 minutes before you go outdoors and it should be always be SPF 30 or higher. When swimming, apply waterproof sunscreen every two hours.  

·         Don’t forget about your lips, ears, feet and hands, as they also get sunburned. And don’t forget the areas with thinning hair or bald spots on your head.

·         Keep your skin moisturized. Elderly skin is prone to dryness and hot temperatures can worsen this. Apply a high-quality lotion daily to help skin retain some of its moisture.

·         Shield your sensitive skin and eyes with a broad-brimmed hat and dark sunglasses.  (And that goes for men as well as women!)

·         Never go tanning, as sunbathing is a bad idea for anyone’s skin, but particularly those of us who are a little older.  Get out your umbrella and sit in the shade.

·         Speaking of shade, always find the shadiest spot. Whether you’re at home or outside, look for the most protected area – on the porch or under a tree.

·         Read the label on your medications. Some over-the-counter or prescription drugs warn users of oversensitive skin in the sun. You can get serious skin reactions, including rashes, swelling and blisters if you’re out in the sun for too long. Keep an eye on those labels and talk to your doctor about side effects.

Be sure to take precautions when you’re having fun this summer. Whether you’re having a picnic with the family, taking a nap on the porch or walking with a friend, take care of your skin. There are plenty of ways to keep yourself and your skin protected while still having a great summer!