Missing those bygone days of summer loving, Baby Boomers may be seeking to reclaim their youth indoors—at tanning salons, says research coming out of Philadelphia’s Fox Chase Cancer Center.

 

The study, which included data from in-home interviews of 29,394 adults in 2005, found that twice as many young people use indoor tanning facilities, with 1 in 5 (or 20 percent) of those ages 18 to 29 reporting usage, versus 1 in 10 adults between 50 and 64. The data, which was collected as part of the annual National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), was published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Research was supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute.

 

"Our results are concerning, especially given the increasing rates of skin cancer, including the deadliest form--melanoma," said Carolyn J. Heckman, Ph.D., a behavioral researcher at Fox Chase, in a public statement. "Ninety percent of all skin cancers are thought to be associated with ultraviolet radiation, which is emitted during indoor tanning. There is a myth that indoor tanning is safer than sunbathing, but this is not the case."

Indoor tanning declined with increasing age from a high of 20 percent among 18-29 year olds to 8 percent among those 65 years of age and older (17 percent among 30- to 39-year-olds, 14 percent among those aged 40 to 49, 10 percent among those 50 to 64). Females were more likely to report indoor tanning, though the division by sex was not as great among older adults (age 18-29, 13 percent male and 27 percent female vs. age 65+, 8 percent male and 7 percent female).

"We conducted these analyses because we know little about the prevalence and correlates of indoor tanning among adults," said Heckman. "Most prior studies have targeted adolescents and young adults. This is the largest study to date investigating indoor tanning in a cohort extending throughout adulthood and we were surprised by how many older adults visit tanning facilities. This is further evidence of the expanding popularity of indoor tanning despite the increased risks for skin cancer."

Some people think that creating a “base tan” at a salon will protect them from sunburn. Not the case, says the research, even for those over age 50. Data indicated that individuals who tanned indoors actually suffered from more sunburns over the past year and failed to take basic sun safe precautions, whether they were under or over 50.

What could be driving people, especially older cohorts, to engage in this potentially harmful practice? Are Boomers seeking to emulate the Charlie’s Angel or perfect 10 of yesteryear? It could be that curvy cultural icons Farrah Fawcett and Bo Derek, as well as other sexy Boomers, live on in the nostalgia of golden tans.

 

“Baby Boomers want to be Boomer babes and tanning is in their history—before it became medically unsound,” author and radio host Debbie Mandel, M.A. says. “Tanning makes a woman look younger and hides indiscretions like cellulite better. Boomers are redefining aging with exercise, aesthetic procedures and cosmetic surgery.”

 

Compared to surgical cosmetic procedures, Boomers may view tanning as cheaper and easier. “Tanning is a relatively benign method which is youth enhancing. Many believe that tanning salons are safe, but this is a fallacy,” Mandel, author of Turn On Your Inner Light, says.

 

In addition to the health dangers, Mandel says, it is important to note that insecurities are driving Boomers, especially women, to tan. “The problem with any of these youth enhancing procedures (other than exercise), is that older women feel insecure, competitive and unhappy with their role in society,” Mandel, who is also a stress management experts, tells demo dirt.  

 

“Beauty is all about vitality, positivism and confidence—inside out,” Mandel says. “Tanning is a cover up for a woman who is uncomfortable with her own skin!”

 

For more information on stress reduction and staying young, go to www.turnonyourinnerlight.com