Why adequate sun protection is even more important for seniors

For seniors, it is particularly important to protect the skin from the sun
The current temperatures of around 30 degrees drive people to swimming pools and lakes. Anyone who stays outside in the summer should definitely think of adequate sun protection. This is especially true for seniors. In older age the skin is more sensitive.

Sun protection is especially important for older people
Finally the summer shows itself in its full splendor. Hardly anyone keeps it at the current temperatures in the apartment. Those who are out during the hot days should definitely take precautions to avoid sunburn. Older people are much more at risk than younger people. For seniors, a good sunscreen is therefore mandatory. According to experts, they should always use a minimum SPF of 15 and better avoid sunbathing.

If you spend more time outdoors in the summer, you should always ensure that you have sufficient sun protection. This is especially true for seniors. As you age, the skin becomes more sensitive. (Image: contrastwerkstatt / fotolia.com)

Seniors have more sensitive skin
Above all, seniors over the age of 65 must pay particular attention in the summer to adequate sun protection, advises Christine Eichler, chief physician of the Evangelical Center for Gerontology in Potsdam, in a message from the news agency dpa.

Because from this age, the skin is more sensitive to sunlight, as protective skin pigments are formed only very slowly. Older people get a correspondingly fast sunburn.

Sunburns pass by slower.

Additional dangers due to medication
Seniors should also consider possible interactions of the sun and medications.

For example, some medicines such as antibiotics, antidiabetics, antihypertensives, rheumatics or psychotropic drugs in combination with UV-A radiation may cause a phototoxic reaction, with symptoms ranging from redness and burning pain to severe burns.

People who spend a lot of time, according to experts, should also apply sun protection with a sun protection factor even in moderate sun or overcast skies. The protection of the lips should not be forgotten - this can also prevent herpes.

The head is best protected with a sun hat.

Avoid sun during lunchtime
When sun protection should always be based on the UV index. It should also be noted that sand and water reflect the dangerous ultraviolet radiation and therefore a higher level of protection is required on the beach.

At lunchtime, older people should avoid the sun as completely as possible.

If a sunburn occurs despite the precautionary measures, it can be alleviated with yoghurt, quark and ASA. (Ad)