Caring for Your Skin as You Age

Some older adults may overlook one aspect of healthy aging — taking care of your skin. November is National Healthy Skin Month®, and it’s a great time to focus on skin health.

Healthy skin is not just about being wrinkle-free. Your skin also plays an important role in overall good health as your body’s protective layer. It’s never too late to start taking better care of your skin, as noted below and in this article from SilverSneakers®.

Sun damage
Protect against sun damage with these tips from the CDC:

• Stay in the shade as much as possible.
• Wear protective clothing (hats, long-sleeved shirts, long pants or skirts, beach cover-ups over swimwear).
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 every day. Reapply as it wears or washes off.
• Wear sunglasses that protect your eyes against UVA and UVB rays.
  

Dry skin
Skin normally tends to get dry and sensitive as you age. Using traditional soap and water may make your skin ever drier. Try a non-soap, fragrance-free cleanser to help retain oils and maintain moisture and resilience.

Wound prevention and care
Thinner, more fragile skin repairs itself slower than younger skin. Help prevent pressure damage by treating your skin more gently. Avoid aggressive exfoliation. Move more often to improve blood flow to your skin.

Healthy overall lifestyle
Other habits may help your skin stay healthy.

• Get enough quality sleep.
• Don’t smoke.
• Manage stress.
• Eat healthily, especially fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly.
  
  

Get the exercise you need with SilverSneakers, a health and fitness benefit designed specifically for older adults. It’s included in your HealthTeam Advantage plan at no additional cost. SilverSneakers gives you access to:

• A nationwide network of participating locations,¹ with group fitness classes² at select locations
• SilverSneakers LIVE online classes and workshops taught 7 days a week by instructors trained in senior fitness
  
• SilverSneakers On-Demand library with 200+ online workout videos
  
• Group exercise classes designed for all abilities, (including a 12-week Fall Prevention Series, SilverSneakers Stability class, and Balance Builder Workshops)
  
• SilverSneakers GO mobile app with digital workout programs
  
• SilverSneakers Community classes offered in neighborhood locations outside of the gym
  
• Online fitness and nutrition tips
  

1.    Participating locations (“PL”) are not owned or operated by Tivity Health, Inc. or its affiliates. Use of PL facilities and amenities are limited to terms and conditions of PL basic membership. Facilities and amenities vary by PL.
2.    Membership includes SilverSneakers instructor-led group fitness classes. Some locations offer members additional classes. Classes vary by location.

SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc. © 2023 Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved.