If you’re referring to the claim that people over 65 should shower less often, there’s some truth behind it—but there isn’t a universal rule such as “shower only twice a week.”
As we age, the skin generally becomes thinner, drier and less oily, so frequent long showers—especially with very hot water and strong soap—can strip away protective oils and worsen dryness, itching and irritation.
A sensible approach after 65
- Shower as often as needed for hygiene and comfort. For some people that’s daily; others may be comfortable showering every 2–3 days.
- Keep showers relatively short and use lukewarm rather than very hot water.
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, concentrating on areas that become sweaty or dirty rather than aggressively soaping the entire body.
- Moisturize immediately afterward, while the skin is still slightly damp.
- Wash your face, hands, genital area and other areas prone to sweat/odor regularly, even on days you don’t take a full shower.
- If you have incontinence, heavy sweating, a wound, or a skin condition, you may need more frequent cleansing.
So the issue isn’t that showering after 65 is dangerous. Over-washing can contribute to dry, irritated skin, but good hygiene remains important.
