Sun Safety Facts Every Senior Should Know This Summer

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Dermatology?

And with rates on the rise, it's critical to know how you can protect yourself from the sun's UV rays. While spending a sunny day outside can be a lot of fun, safety needs to be a priority for seniors living in Victoria, Texas.

Read on to learn the best sun safety facts and tips that can help keep seniors safe!

Invest in Protective Gear

Today's seniors have access to quality gear that can keep them safe from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Some of the best items to keep on hand include:

• UPF 50+ clothing
• Wide-brimmed hats
• Sunglasses

Clothing labeled with a UPF 50 rating can block 98% of the sun's rays. Buying shirts or pants with this designation can be an excellent way to prevent the intense Texas sun from causing damage to an individual's back or legs.

These are areas of the body that are easy to overlook or not easy to reach when applying sunscreen. Having the extra layer of protection from clothing is an easy solution.

Likewise, wide-brimmed hats can block the sun from hitting an individual's face. And sunglasses can block UV rays, as well. A good pair of sunglasses can also reduce the need to squint and protect eyes from debris on windy days.

Wear Sunscreen

Pursuing summer wellness for elderly individuals means investing in a good sunscreen. The best sunscreens offer UV protection for aging skin that can keep seniors secure when they head outside in Victoria.

UV rays can contribute to health problems like skin cancer, especially for individuals with a family history or lighter skin tone. Further, seniors are more vulnerable to skin cancer because:

• They have weakened immune systems
• They already have existing sun damage
• They have skin with lower elasticity and thickness

A weakened immune system is less able to detect and remove potentially cancerous cells. And seniors have accumulated a lifetime of sun exposure, meaning that they are already dealing with damaged skin. Adding more damage can elevate the risk of developing conditions like melanoma.

A good sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It must be rated SPF 30 or higher to provide the most benefits. And the sunscreen should be water-resistant so it won't lose its impact when a senior sweats or goes swimming.

Check Your Medications

When it comes to senior sun exposure tips, a less obvious one may be to look at your medication list. Some medications may indicate that they can make individuals more susceptible to sunburns. Common medications linked to photosensitivity could include:

• Antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Diuretics

Seniors in independent living communities should consult with their physician or pharmacist for clarification if there are any concerns. Keep in mind that seniors are already more prone to sunburns due to thinning skin. As a result, it's critical to know if medications will exacerbate the risk.

Time Your Activities Well

While the idea of joining friends for an outdoor event or sports activity in Victoria may sound fun, seniors must be mindful of timing to stay safe from excessive sun exposure. Heading outside during peak sunlight is not the best idea. Instead, plan on:

• Avoiding activities in sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Choosing to go outside in areas with ample shade
• Bringing umbrellas or wide-brimmed hats

It's smart for seniors to carry a small bag with a container of sunscreen or an extra pair of sunglasses. Toss in some water and nutritious, water-rich foods for nourishment on the sunniest days. And seniors should attend activities in areas with plenty of shade, like park shelters or areas with mature trees.

And, if possible, timing activities for the early morning or late evening hours is best. The sun won't be as intense, reducing the risks associated with sun exposure.

Drink Enough Water

Regardless of the season in Texas, drinking plenty of water is important to keep your mind and body operating at their best. And hydration is a key component of outdoor safety for older adults. Without enough water, seniors are:

• More likely to become dehydrated
• Could be at a higher risk of falling
• May develop urinary tract infections or kidney issues
• Feel constipation

Consequently, seniors should plan on scheduling water breaks and bringing enough water on outdoor excursions. As individuals age, the ability to feel thirst diminishes. So, some seniors may be unaware that they need to drink water.

The best response is to take small water breaks throughout the day and carry a water bottle at all times. Sometimes, introducing tea or fruit juices can be another helpful strategy to ensure water intake is high enough.

Be Aware of the Weather

Finally, if a senior is not in the habit of monitoring the weather patterns in Victoria, it's time to start. Having weather awareness can help seniors pack appropriately for activities and make adjustments to their plans.

Heat safety for seniors should always be a concern. That's because seniors:

• Tend to sweat less
• Will respond more slowly to temperature fluctuations
• May have medical conditions that impact their sensitivity to heat

As a result, knowing the weather forecast can help seniors anticipate high temperatures or UV indexes before they head out the door. They may decide to go mall walking instead of heading outside, for instance, if the sun and heat are too intense. Or it may be better to stay home and enjoy some indoor community amenities.

Seniors and those around them should learn the signs of heat-related problems, too. Fatigue or cramps are among the most common symptoms. Excessive sweating and faintness could also be indications that it's time to move to a cooler location and seek help.

Remember These Sun Safety Facts

The right sun safety facts can help ensure that seniors are able to stay protected on sunny days. Seniors should invest in UPF clothing and a good sunscreen that they reapply according to product indications. And seniors should check their medications and stay hydrated throughout the day.

Morada Victoria offers the best retirement community amenities in Victoria, Texas. You'll love our clean and spacious apartments, and our skilled staff will ensure that your level of care can evolve with your needs. Reach out today to schedule a tour!