Daily showering is a big deal for some people. Stuck in the idea of being “clean” and “fresh-scented.”
As someone whose life is in the tropical region of the world, it’s a necessary action to counter the heat.
The humidity of tropical regions can make you sweat profusely, which can result in foul odor.
Kids, teens, and adults prefer to take a shower at least once a day. The only exception is the elderly citizens, people who are in their 65th year of existence and beyond.
Is there some truth about getting less shower after reaching the age of 65? Does taking a bath daily do more harm than good to their health?
Major Changes
Cleanliness is a top priority, whether you are younger or elderly.
But when you reach the age of 65, your skin becomes more fragile, drier, and thinner. As if the moisture and oil glands slow down and leave your system.
If you take a bath consistently, soap and hot water can cause vulnerability to your aging skin that can disrupt wound healing, being infected, or cause an itchy feeling.
That’s why there is no need for you to have a consistent, daily shower.
Ideal Showering Technique
After the age of 65, you don’t need to shower that much. This is because your oil glands are reproducing slowly, while your moisture levels can retain up to a few days.
The reason why we need to shower a lot is due to the high presence of oil glands in our bodies.
From the necessity to shower every day, senior-care experts have recommended that people aged 65 and beyond take a shower at least 2 or three showers a week.
If you live in a region where the temperature is tropical, you may have at least 3-5 showers in a week.
Reasons Why Showering Less is Necessarily Healthier?
Moisture is Retained in Your Skin
The natural oils present in your skin are what make your skin moisturized. Losing them in the shower can cause skin irritation and dryness, which are problematic for their skin health.
Skin Problems are Prevented
Frequent showering loses the skin barrier, which is what protects your skin against sores, infections, or bacteria.
Lesser Chances for Bathroom Accidents
Slippery and wet floors are dangerous to elderly people. Aside from having very sensitive skin, they are also not immune to getting slipped inside the bathroom.
Long Showers are Hassle
When you are elderly, your energy is reserved to most critical activities in your life. You have less energy to do almost anything, so long showers are not worth the time and safety.
Body Odor Concerns
For elderly people who are conscious about their body odor, the smell issue would be their next concern.
It’s a valid concern that they need to consider before following the advice.
But don’t worry about that. People who are 65 and above do not need to take a full shower.
If body odor is their concern, they can always wash their groin, feet, underarms, or face. These areas are vital and should not be spared from being washed.
Aside from certain body parts, changing underwear, clothes, and socks is also essential to keep your body clean.
Frequent Showers in Some Cases
Although it is recommended for the elderly not to rely too much on frequent showers, a shower is necessary when you belong to the following:
- Live in humid areas
- Does some workout a lot
- Sweating Profusely
- If given medical advice by a health professional.
Essential Shower Tips for 65 Years Old and Above
Here are some smart and healthy tips for people who are at the age of 65 and above when showering:
- The shower should be within 5-10 minutes only.
- Use warm water only, not hot.
- Soap must be fragrant-free and moisturizing.
- Pat the towel dry to your skin and not to rub it.
- Apply some skin moisturizer.
These tips are not just for their skin health, but also for their skin safety against fragility and vulnerability from possible wounds.
When Frequent Becomes Excessive and Unhealthy
When you reach the age of 65, your skin becomes more fragile and sensitive.
Frequent showering becomes an issue of excess due to its unhealthy physical impact.
What matters anymore is not to smell good, but to be ideally fresh, healthy, and safe. This is what cleanliness meant for them.