Travel Tips for Seniors
According to Modern Maturity, seniors travel three or more times each year, which is more than any other age group. Traveling is a marvelous way to see the world. However, a variety of factors such as heat, airport delays, medication accessibility, and jet lag can sometimes lead to hardships when you’re traveling.
So whether you’re driving a few hours to see relatives, flying off to a theme park with your grandchildren, or jet setting overseas on an extended journey, you should be aware of the following tips to stay healthy and care-free during your travels.
• Carry all your medications with you. If flying, pack prescriptions in your carry-on bag, plus a list of current and past medications. After all, what would happen if your luggage, with prescriptions, was sent to Cleveland while you were going to Cancun?
• Cleanliness is next to healthiness. You should wash your hands as often as possible. If you don’t have access to a rest room, use an anti-bacterial hand sanitizer from your purse or carry-on bag before eating.
• Dress according to the weather. You can stay cooler by wearing loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Don’t forget to pack a hat to cover your head during daytime sightseeing excursions.
• Drink lots of fluids. When you travel, drink up to eight or more eight-ounce glasses of water or juice per day to avoid dehydration, especially on long plane flights.
• Watch the clock. If you normally take your medications at dinnertime, but you’ll be traveling across multiple time zones, call your doctor before you leave to discuss the right time to take your prescriptions.
• Fill up your toiletry bag. It’s usually a good idea to bring along a variety of over-the-counter medications so you’ll have them if you need them. These can include anything ranging from motion sickness pills to first aid items. Please remember to consult with your Physician before taking any medication.
• Call someone when you arrive. Contact a friend or family member when you reach your intended destination to let them know you are safe.
Remember, if you are unsure about your health needs while traveling, you can always consult your healthcare provider.