Jackson, TN, is a thriving retirement community, thanks to its mild climate and sunshine. But sometimes those temperatures can soar, and they can regularly exceed 90°F. While some vitamin D might be fantastic in your senior years, hot weather and sunshine also pose some risks to older adults.
In this article, we'll share some sun safety facts and guidance on how to plan for your time outdoors, protect your skin and wellbeing, and stay safe.
Seniors are more vulnerable than adults when it comes to sun damage. That's because aging skin is thinner, so it doesn't have as much of the protective oil that guards against UV exposure from the sun.
There are other age-related factors that impact the skin, such as a slower natural repair process, causing more problems for seniors healing from sun damage.
It's important that seniors understand these risks and realize that their skin protection approach will be different from what it was during their adult years. Extra precautions are crucial to avoid damaged and burned skin.
When you read any label on a bottle of sunscreen, you'll probably see references to UV. You might even hear terms about the UV index mentioned in some weather reports.
UV stands for ultraviolet, and it refers to the radiation from the sun that can damage the skin. The UV Index is a number ranging from 0 to 11+. The higher the number, the higher the risk of sun damage.
Generally, anything over 6 is high enough to warrant sun protection. Numbers over 8 are very high; anything 11+ means extreme UV radiation and carries the highest risks.
Walk into any store to buy sunscreen, and you'll be overwhelmed with displays offering dozens of varieties. It can be challenging to figure out which is the right one for your skin and the local weather.
The first label you'll note on a bottle of sunscreen is the SPF, which stands for Sun Protection Factor. SPF tells you how well that sunscreen will protect you from UVB rays, which are the ones that can give you sunburn or put you at risk of skin cancer.
In your senior years, when your skin is thinner and more prone to damage, you'll need to choose a high SPF. Go for a minimum of SPF 30, but higher if possible, even on a cloudy day. Look for ones that protect against UVA and UVB rays.
It's important to remember that no sunscreen will block 100% of the UV rays, so you still need to take other precautions.
Protective clothing is one of the best ways to protect your skin from the sun. Lightweight clothing that keeps you cool but covers your skin will protect you from the most harmful UV exposure.
Go for tightly woven fabrics like polyester microfiber and cotton poplin. You may also find that summer clothing has UPF labels, which show how well it protects from UV radiation, so keep an eye out for this when shopping for outfits.
Remember to use a wide-brimmed hat, too, to keep your face covered from the sun, as well as some UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyesight.
For seniors, sunburn isn't the only risk to worry about when spending time in the sun. Exposure to heat and sun can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and sometimes even heatstroke.
One of the most important steps to avoid overheating in hot weather is to stay hydrated, and this is crucial in your senior years.
You'll lose extra fluids through sweating, so it's important to replenish, and it will also help keep your body temperature regulated. Hydration is also vital for your energy levels and will help you avoid feeling exhausted on hot, sunny days.
Keep a bottle of water with you when relaxing or exercising in warm weather and take sips at regular intervals. Avoid caffeine, as this can leave you dehydrated.
Jackson has lots to offer the senior community, and beyond our Jackson Meadow grounds, you'll find plenty of outdoor activities. Residents enjoy:
With all these outdoor attractions, it's essential to plan and ensure you dress for the weather and wear sunscreen.
In the summer months, aim to plan activities for early morning or late evening when the sun isn't so intense. Remember to take a hat, glasses, sunscreen, and water on every trip, even when the weather looks cloudy.
Did you know that some medications can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight? It's essential for seniors to be aware of this, as many older adults are taking some form of ongoing medication.
Common medications like antibiotics, diuretics, and anti-inflammatories can pose risks, so always read the labels carefully and take extra precautions in the sun.
Knowing the warning signs of heatstroke and sunburn can help you take swift action and reduce the symptoms before medical attention is needed. Early signs of heatstroke include dizziness and confusion.
Sunburn signs include redness of the skin that feels warm to the touch, and in more severe cases, can lead to a rapid heartbeat and nausea.
If you experience these signs, don't try to handle the situation by drinking water and reapplying sunscreen. Instead, move indoors or in the shade so that your body can cool down.
Retirement is a chance to enjoy life, relax, and sit in the sunshine with a good book. Yet it's also a time when you might have to take a few extra precautions. Use these sun safety facts to ensure you protect yourself in those hot summer months.
If you are looking for a friendly, relaxed Tennessee community for retirement, book a tour of Jackson Meadow today. With maintenance-free living, beautiful local nature spots, and downtown Jackson, it offers the dream senior lifestyle.