Traveling for the Young at Heart 

Travel among seniors has grown in popularity in recent years. In fact travel by those over the age of 65 accounts for the fastest growing segment of the industry. Seniors are more active today, live longer and want to enjoy retirement, not by staying at home, but by traveling the globe. There is a lot of health and safety advice is available for seniors to follow when traveling, and it’s obtainable from an array of resources. Before a trip, seniors should consult their doctors to warrant good health to travel, contact any disease centers or health foundations for the latest information and ensure good medical facilities are available at their destination. If someone is physically fit enough to travel, there should not be a problem adjusting to a different climate, altitude or routine. Studies show that active adults are healthier adults. Therefore, when healthy seniors travel, they get a lot more out of the experience than unhealthy seniors. Exercise Everyone should exercise on a regular basis – even seniors. Traveling often requires unusual situations such as walking more than usual, standing in long lines and lifting heavy luggage. Being in shape before you go will help with these situations. It may also reduce the chance of injury or infection/disease. Most importantly, don’t stop exercising while you’re away from home. Keep up your regular routine or something comparable. Immunizations With older people, it’s not always easy to find out if vaccines are current. Seniors are more susceptible to childhood diseases and local diseases than average travelers. Physicians and other medical professionals can tell you what you need to know about immunizations. Most Americans over age 60 may not be immune to diptheria, a common disease among Western travelers to Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Many seniors are immune to polio, measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis A since, as children they had those diseases and have lifelong immunity. But seniors are often susceptible to influenza and pneumococcal and travel may increase the risk of contracting either one. Always consult your physician regarding your travel immunization needs. Medications Many adults take multiple medications as they get older. Traveling may require more medications or changes in dosage. Travelers should take into account the change in climate/environment; heat, cold and sun exposure; motion/air sickness; change in time zones and travel-related diseases such as gastroenteritis. Air Travel Average citizens can generally compensate for the reduced oxygen in cabin air. If, however, in-flight oxygen is needed for travelers with cardiac conditions, it must be ordered 48 hours in advance. Travelers should also take only the essential medications before flying as some may cause amnesia-like states, motion sickness or other side effects. All may aggravate the effects of jet lag, although studies show that older travelers suffer less from jet lag than younger travelers. Drinking plenty of fluids and walking around the cabin helps travelers on long flights. Air Temperature Travelers need to adjust when visiting a region with different climates. In hotter environments, avoid strenuous activities, stay in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible and drink plenty of liquids. In cooler climates, dress appropriately, stay dry and consume plenty of fluids and meals rich in carbohydrates. Reprinted with Permission from International SOS.