Metro Creative Sun safety for seniors is generally the same for people of all ages. But it becomes a more urgent necessity due to cumulative sun exposure that comes with age.

Wisdom and age frequently go hand in hand. But when it comes to knowledge of the latest medical advancements, some older adults may not be up-to-date.

Medical recommendations evolve over time. After all, it wasn’t too long ago people were told to avoid foods containing high amounts of dietary cholesterol because it would raise their own blood cholesterol levels. Now MedlinePlus says the general consensus is that eating dietary cholesterol has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol for most people. And people in their 70s may have raised children thinking it was fine to lay the child in the crib on the baby’s stomach. Now the advice is “back is best.”

Medical professionals now know that exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun and tanning beds can contribute to the development of skin cancer. But just a few generations ago people were slathering on baby oil and using suntan reflectors to accelerate tanning. The risk of skin cancer is raised for those who have had cumulative exposure to the sun. So it is essential that seniors practice sun safety every day so they are not adding to the damage that already may have occurred. It’s also foolish to think, “I’ve made it this long without skin cancer, and it takes decades to develop, so I’m never going to get it.”

No one knows how long they will live and it’s important to take care of oneself to live as strong, healthy and long as possible. To that end, seniors can employ these sun safety tips, courtesy of the Skin Cancer Foundation.

•Learn the facts. Suffering just five sunburns over your lifetime more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma, and each successive tan or sunburn raises the risk even further. Suntans damage the skin’s DNA and age it before its time. Also, skin undergoes changes that reduce defenses against disease and healing. One bad burn as a senior may be the final straw.

• Use sunscreen. Sunscreen may not have been widely used when today’s seniors were young. Just because that was the norm then doesn’t mean things can’t change now. It’s never too late to reduce your skin cancer risk by lathering on sunscreen daily — even when the sun doesn’t seem particularly strong. Seniors should look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 for daily use.

•Wear protective clothing. Choose tightly woven, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats to protect you. You can purchase clothing that has sun protection built right in.

•Avoid being outside during certain times of day. Stay out of the sun when it is at its peak. Radiation is typically the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. That’s when the risk for skin damage is highest, says the American Cancer Society.

•Seek shade. When spending time outdoors, seek shady spots, whether you’re under an umbrella or in tree-lined areas.