Tips For (Safe) Fun In The Sun

The odds of developing skin cancer rise as you age. In fact, between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live up to age 65 will have at least one skin cancer. Older white men are at particular risk.

Caucausian men over the age of 65 have had an 8.8 percent annual increase in melanoma incidents since 2003, according to to skincancer.org.

What’s even more devastating is that increase was the highest annual increase of any gender or age group. The article further states that melanoma would kill an estimated 5,700 men in the U.S. in 2011.

Many older adults think there’s no point in protecting themselves since the damage has been done, but it’s never too late to help prevent further damage and lower your skin cancer risk.

Here are some tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation on ways for seniors to have fun in the sun without having to worry about dangerous UV rays.

1. Wear protective clothing, broad-brimmed hats and UV-filtering sunglasses on outdoor excursions.

2. Encourage the application of water-resistant, SPF 30 or higher sunscreen before going outdoors.

3. Review available shade at places you go that are outside so you know where you can go to get out of the sun.

4. Schedule outdoor excursions and other activities to avoid the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Ensure there are frequent “shade breaks,” or times to rest in sheltered areas.

5. Keep your eyes on any unusual spots on your skin (and have a friend or loved one check out spots that aren’t readily visible by you, like your head), as this is key for the early detection of skin cancers.

Find Quality Care Now Locate a BrightStar Near You!

Find a location in Canada

Find a location in the US