What the Research Tells Us
Recent findings from France’s National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) have revealed that the ideal shower frequency for seniors is neither the daily scrub-down nor the weekly wash-and-forget. As someone who’s noticed shifts in personal care routines over the years, it’s clear this is more than a matter of habit—it’s about well-being.
According to the research, showering every other day (that is, once every two days) seems to strike the perfect balance for people over 65. This pace keeps hygiene in check without overtaxing the skin—which, let’s face it, may not be as robust as it used to be.
Too Much or Too Little? Striking a Balance
Overdoing it with showers can bring about skin troubles like dryness or irritation, especially when our skin’s ability to lock in moisture dwindles with age. On the other hand, washing too infrequently can raise the risk of infections and lead to unfortunate body odors and social discomfort. Nobody wants to be the cause of a silent elevator ride!
Practical Tips for Daily Care
- Opt for gentle soaps and lukewarm water.
- Install grab bars and non-slip mats in the shower to prevent falls. Safety first, dignity always.
Personal hygiene isn’t just about smelling fresh—it’s also closely linked to self-esteem and mental health. Seniors who stick to a regular hygiene routine often report a boost in mood and feel more independent.
If stepping into the shower becomes a challenge, alternatives like cleansing wipes or professional home assistance offer practical and dignified solutions.
Real-Life Voices: When Hygiene Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
The obligation of hygiene care can feel like torture. I’m against forcing someone to bathe or shower. It takes patience, persuasion, and time—getting to know someone, building trust. Not just rushing in as a professional who changes faces every day.
This applies to all adults. Remember, washing too often can dry your skin, which means you end up reaching for all those moisturizing creams and lotions… Same goes for the intimate area. Baby wipes work too! So do what’s comfortable—unless you work in a particularly dirty environment or have real dermatological issues. Let your body breathe 😊
Getting in and out of the bath isn’t always simple. Some people may fear slipping or even drowning. Finding the right temperature for both the water and the bathroom is tricky. Plus, when bathing, only part of your body is really submerged, and the soap just hangs around in the water. For seniors, you often need to stand to rinse off, or wait for the water to drain and rinse off sitting down.
Cotton clothing can help, especially when changed multiple times a day. Cotton absorbs and eliminates sweat—though most seniors sweat less than before. Try to avoid plastic layers against the skin whenever possible.
Not convinced that every-other-day is right for you? Showering twice a week sounds reasonable to some. That doesn’t stop anyone from washing their feet and private areas as needed, and washing hands several times a day. A splash of micellar water on the face? Also a win!
For the extremely elderly or those with very fragile skin, sometimes soap is a no-no. A good neutral cleansing milk, gently dabbed on with soft cotton, can do the job nicely—no scrubbing needed.
Adapting and Respecting Individual Needs
In short, tailor your shower routine to your own physical ability and health needs. It’s all about keeping a good quality of life as you age—your body, your rules.
Maison Alcraponne is, above all, a team of journalists passionate about news, committed to informing you rigorously and independently. Every day, we select, analyze, and verify information to provide you with trustworthy, sourced, and often exclusive content. Our priority: respect for the reader. We believe in clear, honest information—never shortcuts or sensationalism. Driven by curiosity, we put accuracy, transparency, and journalistic passion at the heart of everything we do.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
