Summer Travel Healthy Tips and ToDos for Seniors

Travel for seniors can be fun, relaxing and a great adventure. Often extended travel is a reward that is looked forward to in retirement. Getting caught in an avoidable health crisis is not what travel should be about.

Here are some tips for planning your travel, packing and being on the road. Use these tips as a check list to plan your travel.

Before you go:

Check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) web site (www.cdc.gov/travel) for geographic areas where you may need to take special precautions or that you may need to avoid altogether.

Discuss your travel plans with your doctor. Make sure your doctor knows where you are going, your means of travel and how long you will be staying. If you have a chronic disease ask what you should be taking to be prepared.

Check your health insurance and travel documents for cruises or organized tours to see what is covered if you become ill.

Know what to expect about biting insects and take preventive action. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has a pamphlet for seniors that covers issues with biting insects (CDC). This pamphlet will give you the dos and don'ts of using repellents that include DEET as an ingredient. The CDC recommends that you use repellent on your uncovered skin but not on skin that is covered by clothing.

Make sure you have your regular immunizations up to date and any additional recommended immunizations for the area where you are traveling.

Improve your balance and stamina before you go with an exercise and walking program. Again check with your doctor before you begin your program.

Take items that will help you stay healthy during your travel.

Anti-bacterial cleansing packets or liquid: Routine hand washing is very important. Along with washing your hands take a supply of small packets or liquid for anti-bacterial cleansing when you can not get to soap and water.

Your prescriptions: Organize and obtain your prescriptions for the time you will be gone, including such items as blood sugar testing equipment or supplemental oxygen.

Insect repellent: Insect repellent with DEET will provide protection against biting insects.

Sun protection: Carry and use a sun block of at least SPF of 15, a wide brimmed hat, and long sleeve shirts.

Walking shoes: You may be walking more that usual, get a good pair of flat walking shoes and break them in before you leave. Good walking shoes are available from hiking and sports stores.

A walking stick.: Rough sidewalks, cobblestone roads and country trails may prove rough going. The best help is a walking stick. Collapsible walking sticks, that are light weight and can fit in your luggage, are available from outdoor stores.

On the road

Watch what you eat and drink. Avoid foods that may cause upset such as uncooked foods and foods that should be hot but are tepid. Drink bottled water if possible. Guard against falls by using your walking stick or cane, and wearing flat well fitting shoes with rubber soles. Put on your sunscreen as you dress for the day. Remember to reapply several times during the day if you are outside.

Being in a new environment every couple of days can be disorienting. As you leave your hotel for a day of sightseeing, pick up the hotel information card to assure that you always have the hotel name, location and phone number.

Finally, have a grand time, knowing that you are well prepared.