Sun Protection is Still Important for Older Adults

If you are an older adult, you may feel like you are past the point of worrying about a few new wrinkles and think you no longer need to protect your skin with sunscreen.  The medical profession wants you to know that nothing could be further from the truth as seniors are actually more sensitive to sunlight and of getting sunburnt in a shorter period of time than when they were younger.  This is due to a couple of reason including as we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses it protective fat, and medications commonly taken by seniors including antibiotics, NSAIDs, oral diabetes drugs, and diuretics may increase photosensitivity. 

Doctors recommend that seniors avoid exposure to the sun during peak times (from 10 am to 4 pm) and to remember that the sun’s UV rays are still potent even on cloudy days.   Also be sure to wear sunscreen choosing a cream or lotion that is broad spectrum (protecting against both UVA and UVB rays) of SPF 30 every day. If you plan to be at the beach or to play golf, wear SPF of 50 or higher.  Be sure to reapply every 1 ½ to two hours.

You also need to wear a hat and protective clothing.  The brim of your hat should be at least 3” and cover your neck and ears, and long-sleeved shirts and long pants or long skirts that are loose and light-weight.  Don’t forget to wear good sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of the sun’s rays. Finally remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.    

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, our senior living community provides all the amenities, wellness programs and activities, and care services residents need for their comfort and wellbeing.  Our beautiful pueblo-styled community offers 56 bright suites for assisted living in a range of configurations, including studio and one and two-bedroom floor plans, to accommodate residents’ preferences and needs.   We provide another 29 suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Please visit our website to learn more. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  We invite you to give us call or visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM.