Factors affecting skin health in older people

Skin changes and diseases are common with ageing, and can impact quality of life in older people, particularly those living in the community. Older people have been noted to pay less attention to their skin care needs and associated problems that arise from this neglect. Lack of training for healthcare professionals and planned service provision further exacerbate matters. This article explores the significance of proper and timely skin care in older people, and aims to increase the community nurses' knowledge regarding how to care for ageing skin, the skin changes associated with age, and provide practical advice and guidance for caring for an older person's skin.