Elderly Hygiene: The Common Error Over 65s Continue to Commit Regarding Daily Showers
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As we age, our skin undergoes changes that can make it more sensitive and prone to irritation. To help seniors enjoy healthier skin better prepared to handle everyday challenges, it is crucial to adjust our cleaning routines.
The recommended daily showering habit for maintaining cleanliness while caring for aging skin is to limit full showers to about two times per week. On these days, use mild, moisturizing soaps or bath oils sparingly, and avoid scrubbing too hard. On other days, a quick rinse with water or a wipe down of key areas like underarms, groin, and feet with a damp cloth can help preserve the skin's natural barrier[1][2].
The skin's protective hydrolipidic film weakens with age, making it more vulnerable to irritants. Over-washing strips away essential oils, leading to dryness, itching, or even skin cracking[1][2][4]. Experts, including Dr. Sylvie Meaume from AP-HP Rothschild and Dr. Amanda Rodriguez from Mayo Clinic, emphasize that less frequent showering allows the skin time to recover and rebuild its defenses[1][3].
Additional expert tips for seniors include:
- Use lukewarm water instead of hot water to avoid drying the skin further[4][5].
- When showering, use mild, moisturizing soaps or bath oils sparingly, ideally once every few days[3].
- On non-shower days, wipe down critical areas like underarms, groin, and feet with a damp cloth[4].
- Apply moisturizer promptly after bathing to lock in hydration and maintain skin barrier function[5].
- Since sweat glands slow down with age, fewer showers are usually sufficient unless there is heavy sweating or specific hygiene needs[5].
This approach balances cleanliness with protecting vulnerable aging skin and also reduces risks such as bathroom falls from frequent wet showering[5].
In summary, for seniors to maintain skin health while staying clean, roughly two showers per week using mild soap once every three showers, lukewarm water, quick water-only rinses or wipes on other days, and regular moisturizing after bathing is currently recommended by dermatologists and geriatric specialists[1][2][3][4][5].
By following these practices, seniors can help avoid issues like dry skin or eczema while keeping their skin comfortable. Adjusting the shower routine for seniors can help maintain cleanliness without overdoing it on delicate skin. Experts advise using soap only one day out of every three showers for older individuals and recommend shower oils, dermatological bars, or fatty soaps over products with aggressive agents like sulfates or sodium compounds[1][2]. Dr. Sylvie Meaume, a dermatologist, emphasizes the need to rethink cleaning routines for seniors due to their delicate skin[1]. A shower should ideally last between 3 to 4 minutes to help lock in moisture[5].
[1] Dr. Sylvie Meaume, AP-HP Rothschild, Paris, France. [2] Dr. Amanda Rodriguez, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. [3] The American Academy of Dermatology. (2018). Skin Care Tips for Older Adults. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-condition/aging-skin/skin-care-tips-for-older-adults [4] The National Institute on Aging. (2020). Older Adult Skin: A Guide for Caregivers. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/older-adult-skin-guide-caregivers [5] The National Council on Aging. (2020). Bathroom Safety for Older Adults. Retrieved from https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/resources/health-wellness/bathroom-safety-for-older-adults/
- Besides prioritizing skin care, it is essential for seniors to focus on other aspects of health and wellness, including workplace-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, and nutrition.
- Chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular-health issues, respiratory-conditions, digestive-health problems, and autoimmune-disorders, pose significant risks for seniors.
- Proper management of medical-conditions and regular check-ups are crucial for seniors to prevent complications and maintain their quality of life.
- Aging also impacts eye-health, hearing, and sexual-health, and it is vital to address these issues for comprehensive health care.
- Medications, such as those for treating chronic diseases, can sometimes cause side effects like skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
- Therapies-and-treatments for various medical-conditions and skin-conditions are available to help seniors manage their health issues effectively.
- Medicare covers many health-related expenses for seniors, but it is essential to understand the coverage details for out-of-pocket costs.
- Family-health plays a crucial role in senior health, and caregivers should be aware of potential health issues like neurological-disorders and skin-conditions that may arise.
- Taking care of one's skin-care is an essential aspect of personal grooming and can help seniors maintain their confidence and self-esteem.
- Skin-care routines can be tailored to seniors, focusing on gentle products like dermatological bars or fatty soaps, and avoiding harsh agents like sulfates or sodium compounds.
- Several organizations, including the American Academy of Dermatology, the National Institute on Aging, and the National Council on Aging, provide resources for seniors to learn about skin care, health, and wellness.
- Parenting also becomes more challenging as one ages, and it is essential to prioritize one's health to provide the best care for one's family.
- As seniors age, they may develop new medical-conditions or have worsening symptoms from pre-existing conditions, so it is essential to work closely with healthcare providers for ongoing care.
- CBD products have gained popularity for their potential health benefits, including pain management and anxiety relief, although more research is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety for seniors.
