According to the American Cancer Association, skin cancer is on the rise in the United States. Often seniors think that the damage was done to their skin when they were young and didn’t protect themselves from the harmful UV rays – this is somewhat right, but further exposure increases the probability of a skin cancer so protecting yourself will reduce your risks and keep your skin healthy.
Suns Safety for Seniors Tips:
• Wear protective clothing when you’re out in the sun, including long sleeves, sunglasses and a hat that shades your face, neck, and ears. Some outdoor outfitters make clothing that has UV protection in the fabric – if you do work a lot in the garden or like to take long walks and hikes – invest in some of these items.
• Wear sunscreen with a broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of 30 or higher on all skin that isn’t covered. Keep a small bottle in your car and one in your purse.
• Protect your skin even on cool or cloudy days.
• When outdoors, seek out shade. Know when to stay indoors: For most of the U.S. it is between 9 am and 4 pm when you need to take special precaution – when the intensity of the UV rays is at its highest.
• You can even find protective coverings for your windows that block these dangerous rays.