Keep Your Residents' Skin Safe in the Sun

It seems like summer is finally starting to make its way into town! While it's tempting to soak in the sun's rays, elderly people need to take special precautions to protect their skin.

As we age, our skin gets thinner and more delicate. It's also less able to protect and rejuvenate itself. Since no single protectant is 100 percent effective in warding off damaging UV radiation, experts recommend taking a multi-step approach to protect skin.

• Avoid sunbathing and sunburn. Tanning isn't a good idea for mature skin that already experienced a lifetime of sun damage.
• Stay in the shade. Encourage residents to stay on a porch or other shady area when the sun is strongest (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
• Wear sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend applying SPF 30 sunscreen to exposed skin daily, even if your residents aren't planning on going outdoors.
• Moisturize. Elderly skin is likely to be dry, and sun damage and hot temperatures can make it worse.
• Choose protective clothing. Long-sleeved shirts and full-length pants provide great protection for elderly skin. You might also suggest wearing a hat.
• Accessorize! Shield skin from the sun with umbrellas and sunglasses.