Sun Safety Tips for Seniors

We have all heard about the importance of protecting our skin from the sun to prevent aging. But, now that you have arrived at that milestone, you may wonder why you should protect yourself. Most active adults, in their 60s, may not worry about sun damage. However, you should know, older skin is less able to protect itself from the harmful rays of the sun. So, here are a few sun safety tips to keep your skin safe.

Avoid Tanning

Did you know that tanning damages your skin? The color of your skin shows that you have damaged it. As an older adult, you have sustained decades of damage from the sun. Your risk of skin cancer increases exponentially with all those tans and sunburns. So, if you have tanned yourself a few times over the years, and been burned, try and avoid tanning yourself now. Your skin will thank you for it.

Stay in the Shade

Now that summer is here, there is no avoiding the sun. However, you can protect yourself by staying in the shade as much as possible. Always wear a hat or cap when gardening or sitting at a restaurant. Wear sunscreen, and if you are going to the beach, take a sunshade or umbrella with you.

Always Apply Sunscreen

Whether you are going for a short walk to your neighbor’s house or shopping at the mall, make the application of sunscreen a daily routine. You are exposed to harmful UV rays even indoors. Sitting by the window of your home and reading or having a glass of iced tea, can expose you to UV rays. Use a sunscreen of SPF 30 on exposed skin daily.

Wear Protective Clothing

Shorts and t-shirts may be the normal attire for summer, but if you need to protect yourself from the sun, loose, lightweight pants and long-sleeved shirts are the best. If you are not too keen on sunscreen, this is your best option. It protects you from the sun and you don’t have to worry about reapplying sunscreen all the time.

Moisturize the Skin

Aging skin becomes dry with age. Staying out in the sun can make it drier. Always use a moisturizer that will protect you from the sun’s damage.

Don’t assume you don’t have to worry about your skin, now that you are 55 or 60. Always take care to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun no matter how old you are.

This article is brought to you by ActiveAdultLiving.com®, the website of more than 8,500 55+ communities spread across the US and  Canada.