Staying Protected During the Summer: Sun Safety Tips for Seniors

Warmer weather is upon us, and many seniors are excited to enjoy time outside. Whether you can’t wait to fill your summer with picnics, gardening, swimming, nature hikes, or another outdoor activity, there are a few things all seniors need to be aware of while enjoying sunny summer days.

Sun safety for seniors needs to be a top priority. We’ve outlined important information and sun safety tips, below, that you can use to be safe while having fun all summer long.

Health Dangers for Older Adults in the Summer

Important to know: As we age, our physiology changes in ways that increase our sensitivity to summer heat, humidity and sun exposure — which can put us at a higher risk of developing heat-related illnesses in our senior years.

While sunlight is known to be a great source of Vitamin D, too much sun exposure can be harmful, and aging skin becomes more fragile and susceptible to the sun’s rays This is why the need for sun protection is especially important for older adults. Additionally, some seniors take medications that have the side effect of increased sun sensitivity.

Let’s further break down summer health dangers for older adults:

• When we age, we become more susceptible to dehydration because our bodies don't recognize thirst as effectively as they used to. Dehydration is especially prevalent in the summer months.

• Signs of mild dehydration include dizziness or lightheadedness, dry mouth, lips and eyes, headache, and fatigue. If you experience these signs, it’s time to rehydrate.

• Severe dehydration, or heat stroke, occurs when the body's internal temperature begins to reach unsafe levels. Signs of severe dehydration include the skin feeling hot and a lack of sweat. With severe dehydration, a person may pass out, begin to hallucinate, or even suffer seizures.

• Heat exhaustion —caused by being exposed to high temperatures — can cause seniors to sweat more, experience a rapid pulse, or feel dizzy, thirsty, nauseous, and weak.

Discussing these dangers is not meant to scare or deter you from enjoying time outside this summer. On the contrary, we like to remind our residents of these dangers before warm weather hits so they’re aware and can plan to take appropriate precautions before spending time outdoors. This way, you can truly maximize the time you spend outside and enjoy your favorite summer activities while maintaining your health and happiness.

Sun Safety for Seniors: Tips for Staying Healthy and Safe During the Summer 

• Stay hydrated

  Drinking plenty of cool water, clear juices and other liquids that don’t contain alcohol or caffeine is imperative during the summer months. Also, it can be smart to avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine use throughout the summer because they cause your body to lose water by making you urinate more.  

• Wear sunscreen

  Even a short walk outdoors or sitting by a sunny window while inside can expose your skin to dangerous UV rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen of SPF 30 (or higher) on any exposed skin every day, whether inside or out, to protect your skin throughout the summer months. 

  
  Especially when outside, sunscreen will help you avoid painful sunburns, sunspots, skin cancer and other conditions that can lead to chronic health complications.

• Spend time in the shade

  Staying safe from the sun doesn’t mean staying inside for the majority of summer. Just make sure to use a sunshade or umbrella when relaxing at the beach or pool, and stick to shady areas if you’re enjoying an afternoon outside or having a picnic in the park.

• Always dress for the weather

  Whenever possible, try to wear loose, light-colored clothes; avoid darker colors, as they tend to absorb more heat. Also, try to wear a lightweight, broad-brimmed hat to protect your skin and eyesight. These simple changes will help you stay cool and avoid sunburn.

• Know your limits

  On those very hot summer days, it’s best to simply limit your time outside to early in the morning or later in the evening as the sun is setting. The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it’s a good idea to spend those hours indoors in air conditioning when the heat index is dangerous.

Fun in the Sun at a Senior Living Community

 Interested in independent or assisted living? Look for a senior living community that provides a multitude of opportunities for seniors - through programs, daily activities, and a packed social calendar - to have fun in the sun while remaining safe.