5 Helpful Personal Hygiene Tips for Older Adults

As we get older, our bodies naturally start to change, and activities of daily living can become more challenging. It can become increasingly difficult to go through a morning routine and keep up with all the necessary steps to feel fresh and clean every day. However, it remains an important part of life and boosts self-confidence to maintain good hygiene and present yourself well to the world. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to make this process simpler. That said, here are some hygiene tips to help keep you healthy and looking great!

5 Ways to Keep Great Hygiene!

1. Create A Daily Self-Care Routine

   As we age, our skin becomes less elastic and can become less responsive to treatments. This can lead to dryness and wrinkles, as well as a decrease in the production of natural oil. To keep your skin looking young and healthy, create a daily self-care routine that includes proper hygiene.

   To start your self-care routine, wash your face with gentle soap and water. Dry it off with a soft cloth or paper towel. Next, apply lukewarm water to your face and neck to gently cleanse them. Use a light moisturizer if needed.

   To prevent wrinkles and age spots, make sure you moisturize your face every day. Choose a lightweight moisturizer that is rich in antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids. Avoid using heavy creams, which can cause skin dryness and irritation.

   Finally, keep your skin covered when you are not using it. Wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. Wear a hat when the sun is blazing hot outside, and use a lip balm or lip balm stick every day to prevent chapping lips.
   

2. Buy Accessible Clothing

   One way to make a hygiene routine easier is to buy accessible or adaptive clothing. This means that the clothing is designed for people who have difficulty getting dressed or undressed.

   Some examples of accessible clothing are clothes that use magnets instead of buttons, shoes that are easy to step into and out of, and clothes that allow the user to put them on while seated to help prevent accidents and falls. 
   
   Clothing that is difficult to get in and out of can be enough to prevent someone from doing daily tasks such as bathing or even applying deodorant. Fortunately, adaptive clothing can minimize these barriers and make it easier to maintain great hygiene! 

3. Choose A Hairstyle That's Easy To Maintain

   One of the most helpful hygiene tips for older adults is to choose a hairstyle that's easy to take care of. Older adults often have less strength and dexterity than they used to, which can make it difficult to style hair in a way that's comfortable and looks good.

   Some easy hairstyles for older adults include short hair styles or styles that are easy to manage. If your hair is long, try choosing a style you can wear down or up in a bun. And if you need help styling your hair, consider using products specifically designed for older adults. These products will help keep your hair looking healthy and shiny.

   Short hairstyles are a breeze to take care of and keep clean. Shorter hair is easier to wash, takes less product to style, and collects less debris than longer styles. It's also easier to brush, taking less time to get ready for your day.

4. Create an Accessible Bathroom

   One of the best ways to stay comfortable and fresh is by ensuring you have complete and easy access to the bathroom. This can be a little challenging to set up, but there are a few tips that can help.

   An accessible bathroom means that the bathroom should be able to be reached without having to go through a doorway or climb up a step. You can do this by installing a ramp or making the bathroom larger.

   Another important tip is to make sure that the bathroom has all of the necessary supplies, including toiletries, accessible sinks, and towels. Older adults may have difficulty reaching these items, so it is important that they have access to them nearby. You can also install grab bars in the bathroom so seniors can easily get into and out of the bathtub and shower.

5. General Daily Cleanliness

   One of the most important things you can do to maintain hygiene is to keep general daily cleanliness in check. This includes keeping skin and hair clean, caring for teeth and gums, and avoiding bacteria growth.

   Daily cleaning of the skin and hair is especially important for older adults. Older skin is more prone to wrinkles and creases, which can make it difficult to cleanse thoroughly. Hair can also become greasy and heavy, making it difficult to shampoo or style. Dry shampoo is an excellent alternative for days when you aren't washing your hair, as it will keep grease at bay and make managing your hair easier.

   To keep teeth and gums healthy, brush your teeth at least two times a day and floss every day. You should also avoid eating foods that are high in sugar or acidity, which can damage tooth enamel.

   Overall, keeping daily cleanliness in check is one of the most critical steps to maintaining hygiene. By following these tips, you can reduce the chances of developing unhealthy bacteria that could lead to health problems down the road.

Keeping your hygiene in check is one of the most important things that older adults can do to stay healthy and look great. By following these simple tips, you can keep skin healthy and free from wrinkles, maintain a clean hairstyle that's easy to take care of, and worry less about bacterial infections that may impact general health and well-being.