Elder Care and UV Protection Tips For Seniors This Summer

Home Care Blog  |  July 28, 2017

UV Protection Tips For Seniors

Elder Care and UV Protection | Now that summer is in full bloom many senior adults are spending more time outdoors enjoying the weather and activities with family and friends. Getting outdoors is great for health, but it can also be risky if seniors don’t protect themselves from the harmful ultraviolet or UV rays. Since July is UV awareness month, consider the following elder care tips to help seniors stay safe in the sun all summer long.

Dress Appropriately

Seniors who are spending time outdoors should pay close attention to their clothing. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is ideal for older adults who are out in the sun. It’s recommended that seniors wear natural fiber clothing made from cotton or linen to help them stay cool. Long sleeved shirts and long pants are also recommended for sun protection.

Seniors who have trouble with personal care tasks like getting dressed will find that elder care providers are a big help in making sure they are protected from the sun in the summer.

Apply Sunscreen

The importance of sunscreen should not be overlooked by senior citizens. By applying sunscreen on a daily basis, older adults can prevent painful burns, skin cancer, and a number of other serious conditions. In order for sunscreen to be effective, it needs to be reapplied every 2 hours.

When shopping for a sunscreen, older adults should look for one that is labeled as “broad spectrum protection” and in the range of 30 to 50 SPF. Additionally, it’s a good idea to opt for a sunscreen that is designed for sensitive or aging skin. Sunscreen that comes in a stick like a deodorant is usually easier for seniors to apply. Elder care providers can also help seniors reapply sunscreen often.

Protect Your Eyes

In addition to protecting their skin with sunscreen, seniors must remember to protect their eyes with a high quality pair of sunglasses. When searching for sunglasses, they should find a pair that boasts a 99 to 100% protection from UVA and UVB light. Speaking to their eye doctor prior to making a purchase is a smart move. It’s also smart to purchase several pairs of high quality sunglasses and leave them in the car, at home, and in a senior’s purse or bag so that they always have a pair close by.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help with Elder Care and UV Protection

If you are concerned about the safety of your aging loved ones, especially in regard to fire, we can help. While it’s important to rely on the expertise of licensed professionals for certain precautions, we can provide home safety assessments and ensure your loved ones’ environment is safe.

Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.

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