As the weather starts to become nicer, your elderly family member might want to be outside more often. That’s a great idea, but it’s also important to make sure that you’re taking precautions to protect your senior’s skin.
Use Sunscreen, Even on Cooler Days
Sunscreen isn’t just for hot summer days. It works to keep your senior’s skin protected from the rays that aren’t even visible to the human eye. The sun’s rays can be dangerous to skin when it’s cool out, when it’s cloudy, and even when your senior is swimming or on a boat. Water can reflect even more solar radiation, in fact, so sunscreen is doubly important around water. Choose broad spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher. It does need to be reapplied every couple of hours if your senior is going to be outside for a long time.
Limit Time in Full Sun
To help your elderly family member keep her vitamin D levels up, spending about 15 minutes in the sun without sunscreen is a good idea. But it’s important to limit that time spent in full sun, especially if she isn’t wearing sunscreen. Older skin doesn’t have as much natural skin oil protecting it and it’s also more fragile. Keeping your senior from developing skin irritation, burns, and other problems from too much sun exposure is important.
Use Clothing as a Protective Layer
Clothing can be more protective from the sun than you might expect. A hat with a wide, floppy brim can protect your senior’s entire face, ears, and even her shoulders. Long-sleeved shirts and pants can also be a good idea. Sunglasses aren’t exactly clothing, but if the lenses have broad-spectrum protection built in, that protects your senior’s eyes even further.
Talk to Your Senior’s Doctor if You Notice Changes to Her Skin
Changes to your senior’s skin, whether she’s bruising much more easily suddenly or she’s developed moles or darker spots that weren’t there before, are important to mention to her doctor. There can be a variety of causes for these issues, and earlier diagnosis usually is important. It’s possible that some changes aren’t anything serious, but it’s always best to know for sure.
Being outside in the sun can be great for your senior, but you might have concerns if she has mobility issues or if you’re noticing cognitive changes. Senior care providers can be there for companionship and to ensure that your elderly family member is safe.
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior care in Castle Pines, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare today at 303-953-9924.
