Sunshine is a wonderful thing. It gives the body vitamin D and combats depression. But the elderly are much more sensitive to the harmful affects of the sun. So find ways for them to get their rays without the burns.

As we age, our skin gets thinner and we become more sensitive to sunburns. Many medications make elders' skin even more sensitive to the sun. Getting enough sunshine is vital to us all, so how do we make sure our elderly loved ones get their rays without the burns?

There are so many really good lotions on the market that can help your senior prevent sunburn. Since most seniors aren't as interested in tanning, sunblocks are probably the best for them to use. I would suggest getting a sunblock that is free from dyes and fragrances. Many elders are also very sensitive to these components that are often in many lotions on the shelves.

But beyond the sunblocks and lotions, another good way to protect your elder's skin is the old fashioned way. Wide-brimmed hats provide a lot of protection from the sun and keeping our heads cooler is always a good thing during the hot summer months. I found my mother a good sun hat. It's just a beige color that will go with whatever she is wearing. The picture is of my granddaughter modeling my mother's sunhat. The great thing about this hat is you can stuff it in your purse or suitcase and it always comes out looking perfect. My dad just prefers an old straw hat or a baseball cap with a wide brim. He doesn't care much about fashion, but if your elderly father does, there are great hats out there that will also be a fashion statement!

Don't forget your elder's arms. The arms are often the first thing that burns. My mother loves to garden, but no matter how hot it gets, she puts on a light-weight long sleeved cotton shirt. She just wears it over whatever she has on. She leaves it un-buttoned so she doesn't get too hot. My dad also wears a long-sleeved shirt in the sun. I've bought him a lot of those light cotton shirts over the years and they are perfect for keeping his skin from burning.

I hope these tips help you keep your elder's skin from burning this summer. Sunshine is so good for us, if we respect its harmful aspects.

How do you keep your elder's skin healthy and free from burns? We'd love to hear from you!

If you or a family member is going through a crisis, I want you to know that you are not alone. The support and education you need is available at your fingertips from expert care professionals at Lutheran Homes of Michigan. You may talk to a real person who does have the answers, without any obligation by calling 989.652.3470 or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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