How Often Should Adults Over 65 Shower? What Dermatologists and Aging Experts Recommend

Have you ever wondered whether a daily shower is still a good idea after 65?

For many older adults, the answer may be no. As skin changes with age, washing too often, especially with hot water, can leave it dry, itchy and irritated.

Health experts don’t all agree on one exact number, but their advice for older adults follows a clear pattern. Here’s what dermatologists, aging researchers and safety agencies recommend.

How Often Do Older Adults Need to Shower?

There is no official rule that says people over 65 must bathe a set number of times a week. Instead, several trusted sources point in the same direction: fewer full showers, with daily washing of key areas.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that in your 60s and 70s, “you may find that you don’t need to bathe every day.”

Dr. Elizabeth Gordon Spratt of University Hospitals in Cleveland says one shower every two to three days is enough for older adults, since their skin tends to be drier.

In its advice for caregivers, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) suggests a bath or shower two or three times a week, with a sponge bath on other days to clean the face, hands, feet, underarms and private areas.

Not every doctor agrees. Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal says bathing once a day is the general guidance for adults overall, so personal needs still matter.

Why Too Much Washing Can Hurt Aging Skin

With age, skin “gets thinner, paler, and less stretchy,” according to the NIA. Older adults may also produce less sweat and oil, the natural moisture that protects the skin.

That’s why dry skin is so common later in life. The AAD says that by 60, nearly everyone has dry skin.

Hot water and too much soap make it worse. The NIA warns that hot baths and showers, or using too much soap, can make dry skin even drier.

Tips for a Gentler, Healthier Shower

• Keep it short. The AAD recommends limiting baths and showers to five to ten minutes.
• Use warm, not hot, water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.
• Use soap only where it’s needed, such as the armpits and groin.
• Pat, don’t rub. Gently pat the skin dry with a towel.
• Moisturize quickly. The AAD advises applying moisturizer within three minutes of bathing.

Safety in the Bathroom Matters, Too

Falls are a serious risk for older adults. According to the CDC, falls among adults 65 and older caused more than 43,000 deaths in 2024 and led to about 4.5 million emergency room visits.

The bathroom is one of the riskiest rooms. An earlier CDC study found that about two-thirds of bathroom injuries happened in the tub or shower, and injury rates rose sharply with age.

Simple changes can help: non-slip mats or strips in the tub, grab bars inside and next to the shower, and a shower chair for anyone who feels unsteady. The NIA also advises against bath oils, which can make the tub slippery.

Water temperature is a safety issue as well. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends setting water heaters to 120°F to help prevent scalds, which most often injure older adults and young children.

When to Wash More Often or See a Doctor

Fewer showers isn’t right for everyone. People who sweat heavily, get dirty, or deal with incontinence may need to wash more often, since moisture and irritation can lead to rashes or infection.

People with diabetes should check their feet every day and dry carefully between the toes, the AAD says, because trapped moisture can lead to infections.

If skin stays very dry and itchy, or a rash doesn’t improve, it’s time to talk to a doctor or a board-certified dermatologist.

In the end, a healthy routine is less about how often you shower and more about how gently, and how safely, you do it.

Sources:

• American Academy of Dermatology: How to care for your skin in your 60s and 70s
• American Academy of Dermatology: Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin
• National Institute on Aging: Skin Care and Aging
• National Institute on Aging: Bathing, Dressing, and Grooming (caregiving)
• University Hospitals: How often do you really need to shower?
• Cleveland Clinic: How often should you shower?
• CDC: About Older Adult Fall Prevention
• CDC (MMWR): Nonfatal bathroom injuries
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Avoiding Tap Water Scalds

You might also want to read: 6 Disadvantages of Drinking Too Much Water