In your role as a family caregiver you already know how dangerous the sun can be for your elderly parent’s skin. Frequent exposure to the ultraviolet radiation is linked to up to 90 percent of the cases of skin cancer that develop throughout the United States each year, leading to this type of cancer being referred to as a “lifestyle cancer.” What you might not think about, though, is the potential danger that it could pose to their eyes. Recognizing this danger can help you to make better decisions for how to protect their eye health and vision as they age in place.
Some things that you should know about the risk that the sun poses to your parent’s eyes include:
- Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases the risk that your aging parent will suffer eye health concerns including cancer, cataracts, and growths
- The intensity of sunlight increases when bouncing off of cement, water, sand, or snow, making it even riskier for your parent’s eyes
- Serious eye damage can take years to develop, but every time that they are out in the sunlight not protecting their eyes properly they add damage that can build up to the most serious consequences
- Sun damage can occur to the eyes at any time of year, not just during the summer months, making it important to think about sun protection no matter what month it is
- The sun is risky for your elderly loved one even on cloudy days. UV rays are able to pass through thin clouds or haziness and cause sunburn or eye damage
It is important to remember that some exposure to sunlight is important to maintaining your parent’s health and well-being. Natural sunlight promotes the production of vitamin D, which is vital for energy and mental health, as well as sleep-wake cycles. Talk to your loved one’s doctor about what is a healthy amount of sunlight for your parent and how to protect them as they age in place.
Starting senior care for your aging loved one can be one of the best decisions that you can make for them in the course of your caregiver journey with them. A senior home care services provider can be with your aging loved one on a fully customized schedule that is tailored not just to their individual needs, challenges, and limitations, but also their desire to live an active, engaged, and independent lifestyle as they age in place. Through a highly personalized set of services, this care provider can help your parent manage their needs while also supporting them in finding fulfillment and meaning in this new chapter in their lives. When it comes to helping them to remain healthier, this care provider can be valuable source of support and encouragement. Simply helping them to make better lifestyle choices and providing safe and reliable transportation to where they need and want to go can be invaluable for helping your parent live the highest quality of life as they age in place.
Source
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/statistics/behavior.htm
https://careinthesun.org/skin-cancer/skin-cancer-statistics/
https://www.skincancer.org/media-and-press/press-release-2012/skin-cancer-awareness-month
https://www.cancer.org/healthy/be-safe-in-sun.html
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/sun
For senior care in Turnersville, NJ, and the surrounding areas, call and talk to us at Home to Stay Healthcare Solutions (856) 321-1500.
