Background: Effects of climate changes, through higher temperatures and sunlight intensity on elderly well-being other than skin cancer, are little studied. Generally, people with fair skin is educated to avoid sun exposure, but while aging, the positive effects of natural light on social biorhythms might be important to counteract depressive symptoms. The study aimed to explore the relationship between skin phototype, social rhythm dysregulation, depressive symptoms, and quality of life in older adults on a sample of old adult residents in Sardinia (Italy). Methods: A cross-sectional study recruiting people aged 65 years or more, without limitation by sex, living at home. The assessments were conducted in April, which represents a month of transition and maximum change in light and temperature in central Mediterranean areas. Results: The study recruited 117 individuals without major diseases, voluntarily participating to an intervention for active aging. Findings suggest that individuals with lighter skin phototypes (lower than IV) experienced a higher frequency of depressive episodes and lower quality of life compared to those with darker skin phototypes. No significant differences were found in social rhythm dysregulation. Conclusions: The findings highlight the potential vulnerability of elderly individuals with fair skin to the combined effects of climate change and avoidance of sun exposure, emphasizing the need for further investigation. The observation raises questions of interest for the implications in terms of public health, and educational campaign contents, that should consider the age of the recipients they are aimed at.
- Open Access
- Article
Do Skin Phototypes Influence Older Adults’ Well-Being? Considerations on a Novel Vulnerability to Climate-Related Factors
- Laura Atzori 1,*,
- Grazia Vivanet 1,
- Elisa Cantone 2,
- Michela Atzeni 2,
- Giulia Cossu 2,
- Germano Orrù 3,
- Alessandra Scano 3,
- Caterina Ferreli 1,
- Mauro Giovanni Carta 2,
- Federica Sancassiani 2
Author Information
Received: 10 Mar 2026 | Revised: 08 May 2026 | Accepted: 12 May 2026 | Published: 03 Jun 2026
Abstract
Keywords
climate change | skin aging | older adults | elderly well-being | phototypes
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