Alzheimer’s Care Facilities

How to Take Care of Aging Skin During the Summer for Assisted Living Residents

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Warm weather is also associated with fun outdoor activities. And for senior adults in assisted living communities, summer is an opportunity to bask under the sun. However, as people grow older, the skin grows thinner and more sensitive to sun exposure, making it necessary to take precautionary measures to be protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Fortunately, there are several ways and means to shield the skin from sunburns, skin aging, loss of elasticity, wrinkles, or worst skin cancer. Be sure to remember these tips when going out or share these with your loved ones.

Tips For Aging Skin Care for Assisted Living Residents

Stay Hydrated

Water is essential to keep bodily functions and more essential as we grow older to keep the skin to stay hydrated, particularly during the hot summer months.

During summer, it is recommended to drink at least 2 and a half liters of water. Although water is the best way to stay hydrated, watermelon has high water content, celery, and cucumber.

Apply Sunscreen

Make sure to regularly apply sunscreen or at least every 90 minutes to keep the sunscreen protection effective. Choose a product that has at least 30 SPF or higher.

Moisturize

Always have a moisturizer handy to restore the skin’s protection from the UV rays and prevent it from drying out. Encourage loved ones in assisted living care to incorporate to keep the skin moisturized.

Consult Your Doctor

When taking medications, consult with your doctor first as some prescriptions may cause sensitivity to sun exposure. Ask for recommendations on how to still enjoy the summer months without the worries of negative side effects.

SPF Recommendations

With proper care and the right product, your skin can still look young and healthy. For seniors in assisted living, selecting the right SPF adds an extra layer of protection.

The SPF should be at least 30. A facial cream or sunscreen lotion or spray with SPF protection of 30 filters 97% of UVB rays while SPF 50 filters about 98%. Let us say if your skin burns under the sun in 15 minutes without sunscreen, SPF 30 product provides skin protection against sun damage for 450 minutes. That is based on 15 minutes multiplied by 30 SPF.

Sunscreen products should be waterproof or sweatproof and must be applied 30 minutes before going out. As mentioned, sunscreen must be re-applied every 90 minutes but is done more frequently when sweating or swimming. Or better yet, read the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions on how to properly use the product.

Other than exercising these tips on how to take care of the skin for seniors in assisted living, the seniors can reduce their risk of skin damage by wearing protective clothing such as pants, long-sleeved tops, shades, and wide-brimmed hats.

Even with the appropriate clothing and sun protection, remember to seek shade when necessary. Lastly, avoid peak exposures usually between 10 AM and 2 PM.

 

On the market for excellent care and comfortable living? Click here to check out Fallbrook Assisted Living!

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

Assisted Living Facilities

Stay Cool This Summer with These Heat-Friendly Activities For Assisted Living Facilities

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Warmer temperatures are something that most people, including seniors in assisted living facilities, look forward to after the long dark winter months. However, seniors are more prone to the harmful effects of summer heat and are at risk of dehydration.

How can your loved ones enjoy a warm afternoon with family or their friends outside? Summer activities should not be a thing of the past for senior adults.

Getting out has plenty of benefits for seniors. With careful planning and choosing of activities, your loved ones can still head outdoors with a lesser risk of summer-related health issues.

Staying Safe in the Heat

Staying outside is known to have physical, emotional, and mental benefits. Sun exposure is a good source of Vitamin D needed for healthy bones and muscles. Research also shows that sunlight can improve mood and cognitive function.

Moreover, being out is an opportunity to socialize and bond with other residents in assisted living facilities. Outdoor activities are also a great way to enjoy nature and meet new people.

Keep a bottle of water handy to stay hydrated during the summer months. As we age, it is difficult for the skin to keep hydrated and water is the best source to keep the skin healthy. Incorporate water-rich fruits and vegetables like cantaloupe, berries, oranges, celery, and cucumber into your diet.

Always use sunscreen protection with at least 30 SPF to shield the skin from harmful UV rays. In addition, keep your skin moisturized with the use of recommended moisturizing products.

Moisturizing every day can keep the signs of dryness due to the skin’s enhanced capacity to hold water. Moisturizer is also necessary to shield the skin from environmental damage.

Apart from sunscreen products, use appropriate clothing when doing outdoor activities. Wear shades, hats, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts as added layer of protection. Besides, avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day – usually, 10 AM to 4 PM.

Activity Ideas for Assisted Living Facilities

Spending time outdoors is a fun activity during the summer months. Senior residents in assisted living facilities can physically, mentally, and socially benefit from summer activities.

Gardening

Gardening is not only a fun-filled activity but also a great way to improve heart health and reduce the risks of high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis due to the light aerobic activities involved like pulling, digging, twisting, and bending.

Swimming

Swimming is not only extremely beneficial for health but also a fun, yet effective way to beat the summer heat. It is an ideal summer activity for senior residents because it presents lower physical risks.

Besides, it helps develop strong bones and muscles. In addition, it improves heart health, is gentle on the joints, and boosts mental health.

Visit a Nearby Lake or Park

Spending time near the lake, pool, or park is an affordable alternative to shopping or attending local events. Dip your feet in the water, ride a boat, or just enjoy the beauty of nature.

Trivia nights, movie nights, bird watching, outdoor picnics, and summer classes, are also fun summer activities that your loved ones in assisted living facilities can try.

 

Looking for an excellent assisted living facility for you? Click here to check out Fallbrook Assisted Living Facility today!

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper