If your senior parent doesn’t wear sunscreen, they could be increasing their risk of getting skin cancer. Even if your senior parent doesn’t spend a lot of time outdoors, they could still be impacted by the sun’s UV rays. A good way to make sure that your senior parent is wearing their sunscreen, especially during the spring and summer, is to make sure they have personal care at home services.
As seniors get older, their skin loses elasticity and moisture. That makes skin more fragile and more susceptible to damage from harsh weather and the sun. Seniors over the age of 65 have the highest risk of developing skin cancer, so your senior parent must wear sunscreen every day to lower their skin cancer risk.
Personal care at home is a specialized type of home care that helps seniors with hygiene tasks, skin care, showering, getting dressed, and other personal care tasks. A care provider can make sure that your senior parent is moisturizing their skin after washing and make sure that they are wearing sunscreen.
All seniors should be wearing sunscreen because:
Older Skin Is More Delicate
As people age, their skin gets thinner and drier. It doesn’t heal as quickly and is more likely to be hurt by the sun. Even short amounts of sun exposure can lead to red, irritated skin or sunburn. A senior’s skin is also more likely to bruise or tear. Sunscreen acts like a protective shield. It helps block harmful rays and keeps their skin from getting damaged so easily.
Sunscreen Lowers the Risk of Skin Cancer
One of the most important reasons for seniors to wear sunscreen is to help prevent skin cancer. Over time, the sun’s UV rays can dangerously change skin cells. Skin cancer is more common in older adults because they’ve had more years of sun exposure. According to the American Cancer Society, most skin cancer cases happen in people over 65. Using sunscreen every day can help protect your parent from this serious health risk.
The Sun Affects Skin Even Indoors or in the Car
Your parent might think they don’t need sunscreen because they spend most of the day inside. But UV rays can still reach them through windows in the house or car. If they sit near a sunny window or drive often during the day, their skin is still at risk. Wearing sunscreen daily adds a layer of protection no matter where they are.
It Slows Down Signs of Aging
Sun exposure is one of the top reasons skin looks older. Wrinkles, age spots, and rough patches are often caused by the sun. While aging is natural, too much sun can make skin look older than it is. Wearing sunscreen daily can help your parent keep their skin smoother and more even. It won’t erase wrinkles, but it can slow down how fast they show up.
It’s Easy to Make Sunscreen Part of the Routine
Putting on sunscreen each day can become a simple part of your parents’ morning routine, just like brushing their teeth or combing their hair. Many face creams and lotions already have sunscreen in them, so it doesn’t feel sticky or greasy. Look for one with SPF 30 or higher. Once it becomes a habit, your parent may not even think twice about it.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care Services in South Hills, PA, please contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care Pittsburgh today. Call 412-241-7292
Extended Family Care Pittsburgh is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, including Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Mercer County, Washington County, North Hills, South Hills, Fox Chapel, Monroeville, Murrysville, Oakland, Plum Boro, and Squirrel Hill.
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