Elderly Skin and the Sun

As we age, our skin thins, becomes more delicate and less able to block the sun’s damaging rays.  

Some good skin care tips:

1. Drink plenty of water and fluids to keep skin hydrated.

2. Use a sun shade, beach umbrella or stay in the shade of a porch, especially between 10am-4pm which is when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

3. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts to cover skin.

4. SPF 30 is the preferable strength for sunscreen as it absorbs 97% of harmful UV rays.  Apply sunscreen multiple times a day, even if it is a cloudy day or you are staying indoors.  The harmful UV rays are able to pass through clouds and glass.

Everyone, no matter the age, should take care of their skin, especially when in the sun.

Caregiver Tip: Grieve your Losses

Caregivers have many losses they are grieving.  They are grieving their loss of a role in the family, loss of their independence or alone time, loss of how their loved one once was and many more.  Allow them to grieve and help them to dream new dreams in their new role.

Turn on the Lights

As we age we require 2-3 times the amount of light needed when we were younger.  Have extra lights to entries, doorways and stairways.  Night lights in hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms are also very helpful.  The extra lighting can help prevent falls, especially from the bed to the bathroom.