Senior Spotlight: Sun Exposure Matters – At All Ages

Did You Know: According to the CDC, less than half of older adults protect their skin from the sun when outside for an hour or more. While you can’t go back and change how you cared for (or didn’t care for!) your skin in your younger years, you can take steps to make sun protection an everyday habit starting today. It’s never too late to prevent further damage! 

While skin cancer rates are highest among older adults, a diagnosis at 65 means potentially two more decades of life to live and enjoy safely in the sun! Here are some tips from some reputable organizations on staying safe in the sun & more. Please spread the word and commit to a safer sun strategy today!

*The graphic below is courtesy of the American Academy of Dermatology. 

Age Spots vs. Skin Cancer: Many of us often assume that skin related changes are due to age, but we can never assume they are not cancer. Kaiser offers an ‘ABCDE’ rule to use when performing a skin self-check. Please always see a medical professional for any skin concerns, any time.

A Study On Skin Cancer & Older Persons: Since our original blog on seniors and skin cancers was published in 2021, a study reported in April 2022 has been published, focusing specifically on risk factors for skin cancer or its precursors in an older population. Read the results here.

Life Longevity & Skin Cancer: The Skin Cancer Foundation shares that while living longer is an amazing thing, it is also the thing that increases your skin cancer risk. Learn about intrinsic and extrinsic aging as well as when most skin exposure occurs (it’s not in your youth!) here.

A LAST RESORT: The Environmental Working Group offers 6 additions to using sunscreen that can protect you just as well (if not better!).

SUN EXPOSURE MATTERS: The CDC outlines how many older adults do not protect their skin from the sun – and why it is essential to change this. 

BE SAFE IN THE SUN: The American Cancer Society has created a comprehensive guide to UV exposure education, skin self-exams [these are critical!], taking steps to protect yourself and even a quiz or two!

*Please also be sure you know how to complete a skin self-exam (courtesy of the ADA)!

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. It IS intended to start the conversation with your family, your friends and your medical professionals about what you can do to screen your skin, to protect future damage and to adopt ways to reduce your risk.

The blog above was originally written and published by the Bobbi Decker Real Estate Team in Spring 2021 and has been updated in May 2023. Keeping current us critical to your health & well-being and you matter to us!  

Bobbi Decker
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