Sunshine is part of a good day outdoors. For older adults, a little planning keeps that day from becoming a health problem.
Why older skin and eyes need more care
Skin thins with age and repairs itself more slowly. The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that people over 65 have a significantly higher risk of melanoma, and incidence rises with age. Too much ultraviolet light also speeds wrinkles and age spots and can contribute to cataracts and macular degeneration.
Heat adds another risk. Many older adults feel less thirsty, so they dehydrate more easily. Sun and heat together can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Simple protection that works
- Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the rays are strongest.
- Wear lightweight long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, including on cloudy days.
- Choose sunglasses that block 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Drink water on a schedule, not only when thirst arrives.
Redness, dizziness, unusual fatigue, or confusion after time outside is a reason to cool down, offer fluids, and call a clinician if the person does not recover promptly.
How a Care Partner can help
A Care Partner can remind someone to put on sunscreen, choose the right clothing before an outing, plan shaded walks, and keep water nearby. They can also suggest an indoor activity during the hottest hours without making the day feel smaller.
The goal is not to keep someone indoors all summer. The goal is to enjoy the season without paying for it in skin damage, dehydration, or a preventable emergency.