With summer just around the corner, Florida’s beaches and outdoor activity spaces will be filling up fast. It might be hot, but that doesn’t keep many of us indoors. We Floridians love our sunshine. However, we must be diligent about protecting ourselves from the sun and its dangerous UV rays when outdoors. Fortunately, there are some easy preventive things you can do to exercise caution and be safe in the sun. Here are the top sun safety tips for seniors.
Wear Sunscreen
As we age, our skin changes. It becomes weakened and loses much of its fat. This causes the skin to be thinner and more susceptible to UV damage. Unfortunately, our ability to repair damaged skin also becomes hindered with age. This raises our risk for skin cancer.
With so much going on, it can be easy to forget to put sunscreen on before you step outdoors. But regardless if you’re going to the beach or just for a quick walk, it’s vital that you wear sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend using an SPF of at least 30. So, toss a tube in your bag, and don’t forget to reapply for prolonged exposure.
Cover Up
The best way to protect your skin is to cover it up. You can’t burn if you don’t expose your skin to the sun. So, in addition to always wearing sunscreen, try to wear protective clothing. Select breathable fabrics that will help you stay cool. Today, you can find lots of clothing with fun prints made for the sun and that offer UV rating.
Hats are always great to wear to help protect your scalp, face, ears, and neck. The wider, the better! You should also be sure to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes. Make sure you choose sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection.
Stay Hydrated
This is an important one, especially for seniors. It is easy to become dehydrated when you’re out in the sun. The more you sweat, the more you need to hydrate. You might not even feel thirsty, but the sun’s heat and rays can strip you of water and essential electrolytes. You might want to consider an electrolyte drink or supplement powder to put in your water. This helps replenish your body’s salt and potassium – two minerals your body loses with sweat.
Stay Cool and Have Fun in the Sun
The sun can be a vicious friend. It’s almost like a love-hate relationship. But you can enjoy the sun and all that it has to offer, just be smart and protect yourself and your skin. Just one bad sunburn can double your risk of skin cancer. It’s not worth it. Wear sunscreen, cover-up, and stay hydrated! Follow these sun sun safety tips for seniors and get ready to make a splash this summer.