Vitamin D After 60: How Age Changes What the Sun Gives You
Skin ages, and ageing skin makes less vitamin D from the same sunlight. That is why older travellers need more time, more care, and a sensible plan for the darker months.
Updated 2026-10-07. Education and wellness only, not medical advice.
What changes with age
In a classic experiment, young adults (aged 20 to 30) and older adults (62 to 80) were given the same dose of UVB, and the young adults' blood level of vitamin D3 rose at least three times as much. On top of that, many older people spend more time indoors, and some have gut, liver or kidney problems or take medicines that change how vitamin D is absorbed or used. Our explainer has the sources.
The model on this site lowers production by 1.25% for each year over 25, to a floor of 25%. The table shows how that changes the midday time for a full dose at skin type III.
| Age | Relative production | Full dose at UV 6 | Full dose at UV 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 100% | 8 min | 17 min |
| 40 | 81% | 10 min | 21 min |
| 50 | 69% | 12 min | 24 min |
| 60 | 56% | 15 min | 30 min |
| 65 | 50% | 17 min | 33 min |
| 70 | 44% | 19 min | 38 min |
| 75 | 38% | 22 min | 44 min |
| 80 | 31% | 27 min | 53 min |
Practical points
- Sun still helps, but the same time in the sun gives an older person less than a younger one.
- Do not rely on a holiday alone. Ask your doctor whether a supplement or a blood test makes sense.
- Older skin is more fragile. Keep sessions short and never let it burn.
- Mind the heat. Hot, humid months are rated Too hot on the map. Older travellers cope less well with heat, so the shoulder months are often the best choice.
This is general information, not medical advice.
Best winter destinations at age 65
The top places per month for skin type III at age 65, excluding places that are too hot, too cold or in their rainy or storm season.
December
- Peru Paracas · 9.1 h window · 11 min to a full dose
- South Africa Stellenbosch · 9.3 h window · 11 min to a full dose
- Mozambique Tofo · 8.9 h window · 11 min to a full dose
- Mauritius Flic en Flac · 8.8 h window · 11 min to a full dose
- New Caledonia Bourail · 8.7 h window · 11 min to a full dose
- Maldives Ari Atoll · 7.8 h window · 13 min to a full dose
January
- Peru Lima · 8.7 h window · 11 min to a full dose
- Uruguay Montevideo · 9.4 h window · 11 min to a full dose
- Mozambique Vilankulo · 9.0 h window · 11 min to a full dose
- South Africa Plettenberg Bay · 8.4 h window · 13 min to a full dose
- Seychelles Anse Lazio · 8.0 h window · 12 min to a full dose
- Maldives Maafushi · 7.8 h window · 12 min to a full dose
February
- Peru Lima · 8.8 h window · 10 min to a full dose
- Maldives Maafushi · 8.4 h window · 11 min to a full dose
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Union Island · 8.1 h window · 12 min to a full dose
- Venezuela Isla Margarita · 8.2 h window · 12 min to a full dose
- Nicaragua Corn Islands · 7.8 h window · 12 min to a full dose
- Colombia Santa Marta · 7.9 h window · 12 min to a full dose
See the full lists: December · January · February. The map lets you set your own age and skin type.
More guides
- Can You Get Vitamin D From the Sun in Winter in Europe?
- UV Index 2.5 Explained: Why It Is the Line for Vitamin D
- How Long in the Sun for Vitamin D? By Skin Type and Age
- Best Winter Sun for Vitamin D: Where to Go From November to March
- Best Places for Vitamin D in Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter
- Sun Safety on a Vitamin D Holiday: Get the Dose, Skip the Burn
- Sunny Holiday or Vitamin D Supplement? What a Trip Can and Cannot Do