Travel can be challenging for anyone, particularly older adults, but with proper planning and knowledge can make the trip much more pleasurable.
Encourage your loved one to fill their prescriptions well ahead of their trip and pack medication in their carry-on luggage, rather than checked bags, in order to reduce the likelihood of losing important medications by airlines.
1. Book Early
As more older adults travel, the need for careful preparation increases. By following some simple steps, travel can become both enjoyable and safe for your elderly loved one.
Beginning your trip preparations by visiting your family doctor. A medical professional can assess their overall health and fitness before travelling as well as any special arrangements, medications or vaccines they should bring along on vacation.
Encourage your loved one to pack light when flying; packing too much can lead to back injuries and health concerns, while sitting too long increases risk of blood clots. Encourage an aisle seat so they can walk around or use restrooms regularly throughout their flight.
2. Book a Private Jet
Seniors traveling by airplane must stay hydrated during lengthy flights. Airplane cabins tend tо have lower humidity than outside air, causing dehydration. Furthermore, prolonged flights may irritate respiratory systems and increase the risk оf blood clot formation; especially among people living with medical conditions like cancer оr diabetes.
As a precautionary measure, it's wise tо always carry copies оf your passport, driver's license and Medicare card when traveling. Furthermore, investing іn pick-pocket proof clothing could help. Also helpful іs creating a list оf doctors and pharmacies covered by insurance оr Medicare at your destination location; take time before posting photos from your trip оn social media! Why tо choose empty leg flights? They can be a more affordable way tо travel privately.
3. Book a Hotel Room
Air travel can often be the fastest and most comfortable means of reaching destinations for seniors, yet dealing with airlines and airports can be stressful. But with some advance preparation, your loved one's journeys may become far more pleasant and cost-effective.
An important first step when traveling with senior loved ones should be speaking with their doctor about the journey and making sure they have sufficient medications for the duration of the journey. Carry-on luggage is recommended instead of checked luggage to avoid security delays or lost packages.
If your senior will be traveling in high-risk areas, it is advisable to invest in anti-theft clothing or accessories to help safeguard their belongings against thieves and pick pocketers. Furthermore, check hotels regarding their safety policies and if there is a guest safe available.
4. Pack Light
Traveling light should be part of everyone's travel strategy, but especially so for older adults. Doing so reduces stress levels and limits injury risks; additionally it ensures your loved one has everything they need without waiting at baggage claim, which may be difficult given limited mobility or physical restrictions.
Encourage your senior to keep medications close by instead of checking them into luggage - this will prevent them from getting lost during transit or left behind on a plane.
Pack fabrics that breathe easily and wrinkle less when packing for long flights. Cotton may become oppressive under hot weather, while synthetic performance fabrics like merino wool may reduce smelly conditions during long hauls. To maximize space efficiency and comfort when flying, choose lightweight materials like these instead of cotton.
5. Stay Active
Travel can interrupt your fitness regime, but that doesn't have to mean giving up altogether. By staying true to your fitness goals and keeping active during travel, you will feel better upon return home.
On longer journeys, encourage your senior to walk in the aisles on an airplane or train, wearing compression socks to help prevent blood clots (especially those at risk such as those living with cancer, heart disease, recent hospitalization or family history of DVT).
Also consider making walking part of their daily schedule: it's simple, fun, free, and can give them an invaluable overview of new places. And don't overlook strength training's benefits- it helps burn calories while building lean muscles!
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