Staying Safe in the Sun for Seniors
Enjoying the outdoors can be a great way for seniors to lift their spirits, get some vitamin D from the sun, and simply enjoy life. It is also important, though, that seniors take the right steps to stay safe when they are out in the sun. As they age, seniors experience changes in their skin and bodies that make it more difficult to regulate temperature and spend time in the sun. Home care providers can help by offering support to keep seniors safer in the sun.
Stay in the Shade
Being outside doesn’t have to mean spending time in the sun, of course. The easiest way to protect seniors from sun damage is to avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible. Sitting in the shade of a tree, under an umbrella, or somewhere else shady helps to reduce the intensity of the sun’s rays. Choosing shady paths for a walk is a great idea when seniors want to be more active, for instance.
Wear Hats with Wide Brims
Maybe seniors didn’t wear hats a lot in the past, but as they age, hats can be their best friends. Wide-brimmed hats shield the face, neck, and upper body from the sun. If seniors have thinning hair or are bald, hats also protect their scalp from burning. Hats made from breathable materials are more comfortable when seniors are outside in the hotter weather.
Apply Sunscreen Multiple Times
Sunscreen is something that needs to be reapplied often in order to remain effective. That’s true for sunscreen for seniors, too. Broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of over 30 is the best option. Elder care providers can help seniors to apply sunscreen early in the day to exposed skin and also remind aging adults to reapply every few hours as the day passes.
Schedule Time Outside Wisely
The sun’s rays are strongest between mid-morning and late afternoon. If it’s possible, scheduling outdoor activities wisely allows seniors to spend time outside but to do so wisely. This is even more important if seniors want to do something really active, like gardening or walking. If they’re doing something sedentary, like sitting in the shade, limiting their time outside during the hottest parts of the day is important.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Dressing for time outside means sticking with lightweight, breathable clothing. Fabrics like linen or cotton might be more comfortable because they allow skin to breathe. If seniors are going to be outside in the sun at all, longer sleeves and pants help to protect their skin even more. Looking for clothing that has built-in UV protection may also be a good idea.
Sun safety doesn’t stop for aging adults. It’s more important than ever for seniors to pay close attention to keeping themselves safe and healthy while they are outside. Home care providers can help seniors to plan well for their time outside, because a little bit of planning can go a long way toward helping them stay safe and continue to enjoy the outdoors.
