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Each year in the United States, more than 5 million people are treated for skin cancer at a cost of about $8.1 billion. Most cases of skin cancer are found in people older than 65 years of age, but little attention has been given to ways to reduce skin cancer risk among people in this age group.
Because older adults are living longer, the need for public health efforts to promote life-long skin health is more critical than ever. In a study, CDC researchers used responses to questions in the 2015 National Health Interview Survey to find out how often older adults in the United States do each the following when outside in the sun.
- Stay in the shade.
- Use sunscreen.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Wear clothing to the ankles.
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt.
Key findings of the study noted that:
- Only about 15% of older adults and 8% of sun-sensitive older adults regularly used all 5 kinds of sun protection.
- The most popular kinds of sun protection among older men were wearing clothing to the ankles, such as pants (44%) and staying in the shade (37%).
- The most popular kinds of sun protection among older women were staying in the shade (47%) and using sunscreen (32%).
- Nearly 18% of older adults and 15% of sun-sensitive older adults said they didn't use any kind of sun protection regularly.
- More than 1 in 10 older adults (13%) had been sunburned in the past year, and sunburn was nearly twice as high among sun-sensitive older adults (20%).
- Although sunburn was most often reported among non-Hispanic White older adults, sunburn was reported among all racial and ethnic groups in the study, including Black and Hispanic older adults.
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The Benefits of Using Sunscreen
Seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing like a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a
wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection —and wearing sunscreen on all skin not covered by clothing — are all important behaviors to reduce your risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen products are regulated as over-the-counter drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Scientific evidence supports the benefits of sun protection, including using sunscreen to minimize short-term and long-term damage to the skin from the sun’s rays.
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Common Age-related Eye Diseases: Know the Facts | |
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While it’s normal to experience some vision changes as we age, we shouldn’t assume that all gradual or sudden vision changes are simply part of growing older.
Of course, natural changes occur in our eyes over time. And with age, we are also at increased risk for developing age-related eye diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and more.
Regular eye exams help your eye doctor identify which vision changes are expected with aging versus conditions requiring continued monitoring or targeted treatment. If anyone experiences sudden vision loss, any sudden changes in distance vision, arm’s length vision, or near vision, changes in central or peripheral vision—or experiences any pain in the eyes—they should always have that checked by an eye doctor.
Early diagnosis of any age-related eye diseases is crucial. For example, if you have diabetes, you should have a dilated eye examination every year. Depending on the condition, you might need ongoing eye care on a more routine basis. It’s also important to let your eye doctor know about eye conditions experienced by your family members.
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Staying Safe in Hot Weather | |
Older adults may be more likely to have heat-related health problems. Being hot for too long can cause hyperthermia — a heat-related illness. Learn more about the signs of hyperthermia and how to prevent hot-weather illness. | |
Resources for Staying Safe During Extreme Heat | |
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California and the rest of the Western Region face heatwaves in summer that put extreme pressure on our energy grid and at-risk older adults. Widespread and long-duration heatwaves can include temperatures ranging from the high 90s to 110+ degrees across the Central Valley, while inland areas of southern California sometimes range from 100 to 120 degrees, even hotter near Death Valley.
These temperatures are dangerous for a large segment of the population. Extreme heat significantly increases the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for older adults, children under four, people with existing medical conditions and those without access to air conditioning. The California Department of Aging provides a variety of resources to keep you safe and informed during the hot summer months.
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Check Out These Resources!
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There are four simple ways to help keep your family and community safe this summer:
Stay Cool (During the Hottest Times of the Day)
- If you are getting too hot, take a short, cool shower and stay in an air-conditioned area.
- Those without air conditioning should check with their city or county for cooling centers or visit public locations such as a library or shopping mall. Avoid physical exertion or exercising outdoors.
- Wear lightweight, light colored, loose clothing, and when outside, wear hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Stay Hydrated
- Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Make water your go-to drink. Drink water early … and often.
- Drink sports drinks (in moderation with water) to help replace electrolytes lost during exercise.
- Avoid sugary, alcoholic, and very cold drinks.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Stay Connected
- Check on each other, especially those at high risk of heat-related illness including infants and young children, people 65 years of age or older, individuals with chronic illness, disabilities or who are pregnant.
- Use a buddy system when working in the heat.
Stay Informed
- Check your local news for weather forecasts, extreme heat alerts, and cooling center information.
- Know the warning signs of heat-related illness (Heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting, paleness, fatigue, light headedness or dizziness). If you feel any of these symptoms, move to a cooler location immediately. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Learn more about Older Adults and Heat Related Illness.
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Sleep Better for Health & Longevity | | |
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Getting adequate sleep in important for health and longevity.
Everyone has occasional insomnia, but if you often have daytime sleepiness or fatigue and/or if you have chronic insomnia (lasting three months or more), this may indicate a problem.
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The National Sleep Foundation recommends older adults get 7-8 hours of sleep per night. (A range is normal, and for some individuals, 5-6 or up to 9 hours per night may be appropriate).
Here are some tips to help you sleep better:
- Have a consistent sleep and rise time, wait until you are sleepy to go to bed
- Limit alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, heavy meal before bed
- Add daily physical activity such as walking, but not before bed
- Eliminate or shorten daytime naps
- Preserve the bedroom for sleep or sex (not TV, reading, or eating)
- Try to wind down with rituals using a dim light, relaxation exercises, warm bath, gratitude journal, etc.
- Sleep in a cool, dark environment with no electronic devices; try white noise; invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows
- For some individuals daylight therapy may also be used
- Try a soothing activity such as playing soft music or light reading (no bright light)
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Free Online Learning for Older Adults | |
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How to Stay Safe in the Sun All Year Round
Stay safe in the sun! Learn how to protect your skin and enjoy the outdoors safely this summer.
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1Summer Vegetable Garden: Grow and Harvest in Hot Weather
Grow heat-tolerant veggies! Learn summer gardening tips for a thriving, sun-kissed harvest.
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Attention Grass Valley: Free Event for Caregivers | |
Healthy Eating = Healthy Aging | |
Grilled Chicken & Veggie Kabobs
It’s summer, and it’s time to think about how much fun it is to enjoy outside weather with family and friends. For this July 4th weekend try grilling. Sumer fruits a vegetable that would great in the grill are bell peppers, corn, summer squash, peaches and plums.
A great recipe to add on the grill is this chicken and vegetable kabob. Click the link below to check out this recipe.
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Roasted Stone Fruit Ice Cream
Summer is stone fruit (peaches, nectarines, plums) season. Make this yummy treat to cool down after a warm day. Click the link below to try this recipe.
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Fresh Fruit Slushie
During the summer the temperature will reach triple digits. Staying hydrated is essential for the upcoming summer season. Avoid stocking the fridge with sugar-sweetened beverages. Instead, keep a jug of fresh water in the fridge. Add flavor to water with herbs and sliced fruit, such as basil with berries, or mint with lemon and cucumber.
Stay hydrated this summer with this delicious slush drink. Try this recipe below for more details.
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Meals on Wheels: Delivering More Than Just a Meal | |
Attention Yuba and Sutter Counties!
Did you know? Agency on Aging Area 4 oversees Meals on Wheels Yuba Sutter. The home-delivered meal program provides meals to program participants who are homebound, physically or mentally frail, or are in need of meals either because they cannot prepare food for themselves.
Our Meals on Wheels Yuba & Sutter Counties meals are delivered to program participant's doors with the help of team of dedicated staff and volunteers.
Meals are prepared fresh by local restaurants, and delivered cold. All meals are nutritionally balanced, pre-approved by a registered dietitian and designed for older adult's needs.
Learn more! Click button to visit their website. Subscribe to their newsletter by clicking button below to be the first to hear about news and events — including an upcoming Food Truck Fundraiser happening in happening in Yuba and Sutter counties — and how you can get involved!
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Do you receive SSI? Don’t miss out on food benefits! | | |
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Food prices have increased significantly in recent years. It makes it difficult for many of us—especially older adults—to keep eating well.
Fortunately, CalFresh has allocated funds specifically for adults aged 60+. We simplify the application process for them.
Learn more and start your application today.
Click button below or call us at
1-800-211-4545
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What is Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)?
An ADRC is a network of organizations that work together to make access to services easier for older adults, people with disabilities, and family care providers. We are here to support you in finding resources and exploring your community options for living independently.
We can help you stay in your home, remain connected to your community, make a smooth transition from hospital to home, and access caregiver resources or respite care.
How can an ADRC help you?
- By providing in-person, phone, or online information about a wide range of services and resources.
- By presenting options for long-term services and support so that informed choices can be made about care planning.
- By offering short-term services to address urgent needs and prevent unnecessary admission to a nursing facility or hospital.
- By coordinating relocation from hospitals or nursing facilities back to a home or the community and arranging for needed support.
ADRCs are transforming the way people access community resources.
Get help today!
CALL: (800) 211-4545
EMAIL: cm@agencyonaging4.org
WEB: www.adrc4.org
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Workshops for Healthy Aging | |
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Agency on Aging Area 4 hosts free virtual and in-person workshops for the older adult community in Sacramento, Nevada, Placer, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba Counties.
Whether you’re interested in nutrition, health promotion or job readiness we have the classes for you! Our team is currently creating interest lists for each of our workshops. Click on the workshop you're interested in below and fill out the form. A staff member will contact you when new classes are scheduled.
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Bingocize
Bingocize is a 10-week, socially engaging group-based program that combines exercise, health education, and the widely popular game of bingo.
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A Matter of Balance
A Matter of Balance is an 8-week course that enables participants to reduce the fear of falling by learning to view falls as controllable, setting goals for increasing activity levels, making small changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
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Live Strong & Safe
Live Strong & Safe Fall Prevention Program is a short one session series that provides a comprehensive overview of fall prevention, including home safety and medication management.
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Diabetes Empowerment Education
Diabetes Empowerment Education is a 6-week workshop to help adults with diabetes learn more about diabetes, self-manage their condition, and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
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Cooking Matters
Cooking Matters is a 4-week course that teaches participants to shop smarter, use nutrition information to make healthier choices and cook delicious, affordable meals.
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Eat Smart, Live Strong
The Eat Smart, Live Strong is a 4-week course designed to encourage older adults to increase fruit and vegetable consumption to at least 3 1/2 cups and to participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each day.
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Food Smarts
Food Smarts is a 6-week course designed to support healthy behavior change in the areas of healthy eating, food safety, cooking, food waste reduction and food resource management.
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Mature Edge
Mature Edge is a job-readiness program that can help the mature worker update their resume and learn valuable skills to land the job you want.
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For the latest news on healthy aging, follow us on social media! | |
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These email newsletters are funded, in part, by CalFresh Healthy Living Program.
Learn more here.
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