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Older adults and sun exposure

Healthwise
By Jan Nissl, RN, BS

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Everyone needs to have some sun exposure each day to produce enough vitamin D. To get enough vitamin D:

  • Fair-skinned people need about 15 minutes of sunlight each day.
  • Dark-skinned people need about 30 to 45 minutes each day.

Older adults who avoid the sun or use sunscreens may want to eat a variety of dairy products each day, or take daily vitamin D supplements to ensure they get adequate vitamin D.

Credits

Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Michele Cronen
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last Updated December 28, 2007
Last Updated: 12/28/2007