Home Care – How Seniors Can Reduce Their Risk Of Melanoma

By Shaun Clinkinbeard | August 8, 2023 | Comments Off on Home Care – How Seniors Can Reduce Their Risk Of Melanoma
Home Care

Seniors need to take steps to lower their risk of developing melanoma. Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer that is common in seniors. More than 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. The chances of getting skin cancer increase with age.

In fact, seniors account for more than 40% of the melanoma diagnosis each year. There is no foolproof way to prevent melanoma. But there are lots of things that seniors can do to minimize their risk of developing skin cancer as they age.

It’s important for seniors who have previously spent a lot of time in the sun to do everything they can to reduce their sun exposure as they get older. They may already have sun damage that can increase their risk for skin cancer. Some things that seniors should start doing now to reduce the risk of melanoma are:

Wear A Hat

Seniors should always wear a hat or a visor to protect their face if they’re going out in the sun. Often seniors think if it’s not that bright out or if it’s early in the morning they don’t need that extra sun protection. But they do. Seniors with home care should ask a home care provider to stash some extra hats for them by the door, in a golf bag, or in the car. That way seniors will always have a hat nearby when they need one.

Wear Sunscreen Daily

Everyone should wear sunscreen. However, it’s essential for seniors to wear sunscreen each day. Putting on sunscreen should be automatically part of a senior’s hygiene routine just like washing up or brushing teeth. The best sunscreen for seniors is sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. And the sunscreen seniors use should say on the label that it protects from UVA and UVB rays. Seniors should avoid using spray sunscreens. Typically, seniors that use spray sunscreen don’t use enough of it. Applying cream sunscreen is best.

Limit Time Outdoors On Sunny Days

When the weather is hot and sunny seniors may want to spend more time outdoors, not less. However, being outdoors during the hottest part of the day can cause sun damage to skin. It also can leave seniors prone to heat-related illness. Seniors should plan on doing anything they want to do outdoors before 11 AM or after 6 PM during the summer. They should stay indoors or at least in the shade during the afternoon. That’s when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

Take Good Care Of Skin

Seniors also should be making skin care a priority. Taking care of their skin can lower the risk of developing melanoma or other types of skin cancer. That means exfoliating regularly, using gentle age-appropriate cleansers, and moisturizing daily. A good moisturizer can do wonders for the skin. Seniors who aren’t sure what moisturizer to use can get help from a dermatologist. A dermatologist can recommend the best skin care products for a senior based on their unique skin type.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring home care in Auburn, CA, talk to the caring staff at Partners in Care today. Serving El Dorado, Nevada, Yuba, Sutter, Sacramento, Placer, Butte, Glenn, Yolo, & Colusa Counties!
Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! (530) 268-7423

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