Sun Protection is Still Important for Seniors
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
reasons 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 1½ 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 at Mountain Shadows, our senior living community provides all the
amenities, wellness programs, activities, and care services residents need for
their comfort and wellbeing. Our
beautiful community offers 45 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 19 suites
devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of
dementia. Please see our
website for more information including our new protocols in the fight against
the coronavirus (COVID-19).
MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ mission
statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior
living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors
and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving
atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide
our residents the best assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs.
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