Can you feel it? Although it’s officially been spring in Michigan since March 20, it’s finally starting to actually feel like spring! After a long winter it’s natural to want to get out and enjoy the outdoors as much as possible, but we need to make sure we’re protecting our skin. The Friday before Memorial Day is affectionately known as Don’t Fry Day. Today on the blog we’re going to look at ways that seniors can protect their skin and still enjoy their time outdoors!
Aging & The Sun
- It’s tempting for older adults to think that because they haven’t had skin cancer, they can be lax with sun protection. This is false!
- 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.
- Most melanomas are in white men over age 55.
- More than half of skin cancer-related deaths happen in people over age 65.
- Only about 15% of older adults use all 5 types of sun protection.
- 18% of older adults reported that they don’t use any type of sun protection regularly.
- Older adults are at a greater risk of dehydration due to having less water in their bodies, various health conditions, and medication side effects. Individuals with memory issues and/or dementia may also not remember to drink water.
Sun Protection
- According to the CDC, there are five types of sun protection:
- Staying in the shade.
- Using sunscreen.
- Wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
- Wearing clothing that covers the ankles.
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts.
- Be careful about SPF
- A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is recommended for daily use.
- Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going out into the sun.
- Make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours– especially if sweating or in swimming.
- Don’t forget your lips! You can buy lip balm with SPF (aim for at least SPF 15).
- Stay indoors or in the shade when the sun’s rays are strongest (between 10am and 4pm).
- Be careful around sand and water, both can reflect the sun’s rays.
- Make sure you’re getting an annual skin check with a dermatologist.
- Stop using tanning beds.
- Stop smoking.
Get Outdoors!
- Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation– Ann Arbor is home to over 160 parks! You can download a checklist to see how many you can visit or visit the Park Finder to find a new park to explore.
- Border to Border Trail– The B2B Trail is a 42-mile, 10 foot wide, ADA accessible, paved pathway. It consists of 6 trail corridors that connect you to cities, parks, and destinations throughout Washtenaw County.
- Chelsea Parks- Chelsea is home to four parks, plus a dog park!
- Dexter Parks & Trails– Dexter is home to an impressive 10 parks!
- Manchester City Recreation– Manchester is home to 4 parks and a variety of amenities including pavilions, gazebos, volleyball courts, and baseball diamonds.
- Milan Parks– Milan is home to Wilson Park, as well as an RV park.
- Northfield Township Parks & Preserves– Northfield Township is home to a variety of parks, including a dog park, disc golf course, trail, and an athletic complex. There are also some nearby parks in Webster and Green Oak Township.
- Pittsfield Township Parks and Recreation– Pittsfield Township is home to a number of parks, including the newly renovated Montibeller Park Pavilion.
- Saline Parks– Saline is home to an impressive 12 parks!
- Ypsilanti Parks and Recreation– Ypsi has a variety of parks, including parks dedicated to toddlers.
- Ypsi Township Recreation & Parks– Ypsi Township is home to four parks (daily passes required. Fees vary from $3-$5).
