Sun Safety Facts Every Senior Should Know in New Jersey
The state of New Jersey is known for its stunning summers. With more than 60 beaches and over 130 miles of coastline, the Garden State offers warm temperatures and plenty of fun in the sun.
Are you a senior in Woodbury, NJ, who wants to spend more time outdoors this summer? Wondering how to engage in senior sun protection while enjoying perfect summer weather?
Read on to learn all about sun safety facts and UV safety tips for summer wellness.
Get Checked for Skin Cancer Regularly
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Some types of skin cancer, such as melanoma, are particularly aggressive.
Regular, unprotected exposure to the sun can drastically increase your chances of skin cancer. Regular check-ups for concerning signs or symptoms are essential.
You should also conduct self-examinations at home as part of your elderly skincare regimen. Perform these self-exams once a month. Look for changes such as:
- New moles or growths
- Ragged edges
- Changes in size
- Changes in thickness
- Itchiness
- Unexplained redness
If you see any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away. Your odds of survival can increase with early detection.
Always Apply Sunscreen
Aging skin may develop wrinkles and sagging, but there are other changes occurring. Underneath the surface, it is more sensitive and receptive to harmful UV rays.
In your senior years, it is more important than ever to apply sunscreen regularly. Don't mistake cloudy weather for a lack of sun. Even when the sky is gray, UV rays can still penetrate your skin and cause harm.
For everyday use, you should apply a sunblock that is SPF 30 or stronger. Consult your dermatologist before changing your sunscreen, as they may suggest alternatives based on your skin profile.
If you're engaging in activities such as swimming or sweating more than usual, you should use a stronger SPF. You may also need to reapply more frequently.
As a general guideline, reapply sunscreen every two hours. Over-applying is safer than risking extensive damage from insufficient protection.
Applying sunscreen to hard-to-reach areas, like your back, may be challenging. In this case, ask a friend or, if available, an assisted living staff member for help.
Seek Shade When Necessary
Continuous exposure to direct sunlight can exacerbate its negative effects. Utilize any nearby shade. The Cancer Institute NSW states that quality shade can reduce exposure to UV rays by up to 75 percent.
Bring a portable tent or canopy for on-the-go shade. Even a few minutes of relief from the sun can allow your body to rest and recharge. Use the time in the shade to:
- Hydrate
- Lie down
- Reapply sunscreen
- Eat a healthy snack
Avoid Activities During Peak Times
During the summer, the sun is strongest from late morning to early afternoon. Temperatures are also generally higher at these times.
Limiting exposure to harmful UV rays and high temperatures reduces your risk of:
- Sunburn
- Dehydration
- Heatstroke or heat exhaustion
- Skin cancer
If you have outdoor activities scheduled during this time block, try to move them to another part of the day, if possible. For example, schedule your daily walk either in the early morning or later in the day. Move outdoor activities indoors with resources such as air conditioning.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is critical year-round, especially in summer. Higher temperatures and physical activity lead to increased sweating and accelerated hydration loss.
Monitoring the color and frequency of your urine is an effective way to assess your hydration levels. More frequent trips to the restroom indicate you're consuming enough hydrating liquids.
Pale yellow or clear urine is also a positive sign. If your urine is a darker shade of yellow, that is a clear indication of dehydration.
If you struggle to stay hydrated, here are some helpful tips:
- Bring a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go.
- Use hydration multipliers and enhancers to get more benefit from liquids.
- Eat fruits and vegetables that are high in water content.
- Put flavored powders or drops into water so it is more appealing.
- Sip water after each bite while eating.
- Avoid dehydrating substances, such as caffeine, sugar, and alcohol.
- Rest when needed if you start to feel dehydrated
Most importantly, pay attention to your body's needs. Consider your environment and level of physical activity to determine how much hydration you need.
Wear Sun-Protective Clothing
Your clothing can have a huge impact on how you respond to the sun. Choose your summer outfits carefully to maximize comfort and sun protection.
For example, light-colored clothing offers better resistance to heat, while dark shades absorb more sunlight.
Accessories can help with sun exposure as well. Hats with wide brims and sunglasses protect your head and face from further exposure.
Look Out for Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
Even if you have a healthy senior lifestyle, you can still suffer from heat exhaustion or heatstroke. These conditions are most prevalent during the summer season.
Some signs to watch out for include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Heavy sweating
- Confusion
- Elevated body temperature
Both conditions are serious, but heatstroke can be more detrimental than heat exhaustion. With heatstroke, the symptoms above tend to be more severe.
When it comes to heat-related medical conditions, it is better to be safe than sorry. Contact emergency services immediately if you or someone you know experiences concerning symptoms.
Remember These Key Sun Safety Facts for Seniors in New Jersey
You do not need to worry about maintaining your health in the sun this summer. With these sun safety facts, you can engage in outdoor activities without detrimental effects to your well-being.
We take outdoor safety for aging adults seriously here at Woodbury Mews. With premium amenities such as our Dimensions Health and Fitness Program, we ensure our residents stay happy and healthy in every aspect of their lives.
Ready to transition to senior living in Woodbury, NJ? We offer independent senior living, assisted living, and memory care programs. Reach out to us today to learn more, or visit us in person to see it for yourself.