Four generations in conversation: How the use of heat has changed

Four generations in conversation: How the use of heat has changed

In a family conversation about the summer and the associated heat, memories and changes arise that shape the handling of sun and sunscreen. In Freudental, a picturesque place in the district of Ludwigsburg, a family sits together and reflects on various generations and how awareness of sun protection has changed over the years.

At the table we find Uropa Walter Gerber, 87 years old, and his daughter Karlin Stark, 61, together with the 34-year-old Monja Lampert and her eight-year-old daughter Mia. While you enjoy watermelon pieces, it becomes clear: just as the temperatures rise, the setting to the sun and its dangers has also changed.

The change in the sun protection

When Monja starts the day with her three children in the morning, the ritual of the sunscreen is essential. She explains: "We have used higher and higher light protection factors over the years, and we have currently reached a factor of 50." This habit is in a strong contrast to the childhood of her mother Karlin: "In the 90s, applying sunscreen was not a big issue. I cannot remember that we would ever have used higher than light protection factor 20." This remark gives an idea of how awareness of protection against UV rays has changed over the years.

Walter, the Uropa, has its own view of the summer. "As a child, I can't remember any special protective measures," he says. "Perhaps there was a supply in the garden in which we could play." Memories of school -free at high temperatures are important brands for him. "It used to be school -free at 30 degrees - that was always a reason to be happy." The summer everyday life of his youth seems to have been shaped by a different feeling of temperature than the company dealt with the sun more carefree.

Karlin describes how she has often searched for the sun as a child, without thinking about a lot about health consequences: "I don't remember that we complained over 30 degrees at the time. The outdoor pool or the excavation lake were the biggest." The environmental impact and the need for protection do not seem to have been as present in earlier times as they are today.

The young generation, represented by Mia, indicates a different reality. "We no longer have heat -free at school." During your school days, the conversations about heat in your circle of friends are minimal. For Mia, the solution is simple: "If it is hot, let's go to the outdoor pool." Such pragmatic preferences show how dealing with heat from generation to generation is different.

climate change and personal concern

The topic of climate change also resonates, especially with Karlin, who as head of the district health office takes over an active part of initiatives for the heat protection education. "It is a real concern to me that people know how they can protect themselves," she emphasizes and leads the heat action plan, which was developed to prepare people for elevated temperatures.

Walter believes that the need to protect itself is increased. "We have to act against the growing challenges due to climate change," he warns, making it clear that the older generation has a responsibility. His words are urgently: "We have to do a lot to stop the progress of the catastrophe." This message illustrates that it is not only about personal experiences, but also about the legacy for future generations.

Monja has her own optimistic perspective on the future and does not want to be put down by negative thoughts about climate change. It is a field of tension between the need to reconcile reality and hope. Your daughter Mia wants uncomplicated childhood experiences, such as the snow in winter and heat -free - memories that are important of us and that may be in danger through climate change.

The discussion about summer, heat and the appropriate protection against the elements not only reflects personal nostalgia, but also takes a holistic perspective on a changing environment. One thing becomes clear in this family round: the dialogue about the protection against the sun is shaped not only by individual experiences, but also by the challenges of our time. It is to be hoped that the focus will remain tangible to sustainability and a healthy life for all future generations.