Summer season finds senior citizen travelling in large numbers by land, sea or air. These trips are much deserved vacations, a time to visit family and friends, and a time to enjoy their retirement. Because they are seniors, health concerns must not be taken for granted, albeit by no means do these concerns mean restricting their freedom to travel.
It is simply anticipating potential issues which could crop up any time to avoid potential mishaps or disasters. Here are ten of the most important considerations for seniors when they travel whether their destination is local or international:
- Stay hydrated: remember that heat can give you a stroke, so stay hydrated. Drink sufficient amounts of water – between six and eight glasses – everyday and ensure that you have enough supply of it while in transit.
- Take things slowly: age prevents seniors from taking the fast lane and overdoing things just isn’t a good idea anymore. Physical overexertion may result in potential injury or serious illness. If driving, stop frequently and stretch your legs and flex your fingers.
- Wear the appropriate attire: if your itinerary will involve many outdoor activities, wear sunglasses and appropriate attire to keep harmful UV rays off your eyes and skin; don a hat to protect your head and hair. Wear clothes that keep you cool internally and properly covered externally to reduce potential sunburn or heatstroke.
- Bring additional medication: a summer vacation always has the potential for extension and the next few extra days could bring unforeseen circumstances; bring additional medication because your meds may not be available in the place you are in. Have your meds in their original containers with copies of their prescriptions; pack your meds in your carry-on bag or luggage in case your checked luggage is lost.
- Bring your current list of medical prescriptions: hand in hand with your additional medication, bring a list of your current medical prescriptions. This is valuable for when you need refills and in case you need to see a doctor while still on vacation.
- Have your vital information handy: your name, contact numbers, and the name and contact details of the person to inform should you figure in a mishap should be legibly written on hard paper, preferably an index card, which should be on your person as you sightsee. This can facilitate procedures when they need to be conducted in case something untoward happens to you. Your blood type, existing medical condition, allergies, and the name of your doctor and his or her contact details should also be indicated on the said index card.
- Inform your family, friends, and neighbors of your trip: keep your family members, close friends, and next door neighbors in the loop when you travel. This works two ways: they to know what is happening to you for the time that you are away and you get to know what is happening to your house, pets, plants, etc. as well.
- Choose senior-friendly accommodations: you don’t necessarily have to stay at The Ritz or Georges V even if you can afford it if their staircase has more stairs than you can climb. Choose accommodations that will not give you shortness of breath, has accessible fire escape routes, are well ventilated, have stable temperature, and can be easily reached by phone, email or fax.
- Be practical when packing: if it’s a cruise, bring a couple of evening dresses or two suits; otherwise, pack light clothing and two jackets – one made of light material and another insulated – for potential rain showers or chilly breezes at night and the traditional summer outfits: cotton shirts, shorts, socks, underwear, etc. If it’s land travel, bring the same items plus spares of commonly misplaced or lost accessories such as sunglasses, undershirts, and face towels.
- Get insurance: whether it’s a policy for cruise travel insurance or additional cover to your existing one, seniors obviously don’t need the stress that the unexpected may bring such as lost luggage, stolen wallets or damage from an accident. A cruise travel insurance will give you peace of mind during your travel which is something you want and deserve.