The Importance of Sun Protection in Older Adults

According to the CDC, most of the five million people treated each year for skin cancer are 65 years of age or older. Because less than half of older adults protect their skin adequately from the sun when outside for an hour or more, seniors can needlessly put themselves at a higher risk of developing melanoma, or other harmful skin cancers. And with adults living longer than ever, practicing life-long skin care habits is more important than ever.

Sun protection isn’t important only on warm, sunny days. While the UV factor of an overcast, cold, or windy day might be less than that of a hot, clear summer day, spending long enough in the sun will cause skin damage all the same. That’s why on any day when you’re expecting to stay an hour or longer outdoors, it is important to remember the four tenets of sun protection:

• Covering clothing: Less than half of seniors surveyed wore adequate clothing for sun protection, which is long-sleeved shirts and pants to the ankle. Light and breathable modern fabrics can allow you to cover up without overheating. A wide-brimmed hat will keep the sun off your face and neck.
• Sunscreen: SPF 30 or above sunscreen, applied to clean dry skin at least 20 minutes before outdoor activity, and reapplied every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
• Shade: While shade protects you from direct rays, scattered or reflected UV light can still burn you. Combine shade with other precautions for best protection.
• Sunglasses: The skin of our eyes lacks melanin, meaning it’s completely unprotected from the sun. UV light blocking sunglasses, in combination with a hat, can protect our eyes from up to 98% of UV rays.