Traveling as an older adult can be overwhelming because as you age, you generally require more essentials. Whether you are taking a road trip or flying across the country, it’s important to be prepared for all of your health care needs.
Make a List of All Prescriptions
Before traveling, consult with your health care provider to discuss your travel plans and any changes in your medication schedule. Your doctor may suggest a checkup to ensure that you are okay to travel. If you will be going somewhere that has an alternate time zone, be sure that you take that into consideration when taking your prescriptions. Get enough medication to last the duration of your trip and carry a few extras just in case. Find out if you are up to date with your vaccinations or if you require additional shots for your destination. It may be useful to write all of your medications down and when you are supposed to take them so that you can share this information with the person you are traveling with.
Stay Hydrated
It’s important for everyone to remain hydrated, but it’s especially critical for individuals over the age of 60 as they are most susceptible to dehydration. When we travel, our bodies are exposed to additional elements that we are not used to. If you are flying somewhere, air travel increases your chances of dehydration because of the low humidity in an airplane. Bring a water bottle with you and aim to drink about one cup of water per hour when flying. There are also moisture-rich foods that you can consume when traveling, like fruits, vegetables, and soups.
Choose your Meals Wisely
As you age, you tend to have a more sensitive stomach and your diet may be more restrictive than others. Ensure when traveling that you are watching what you eat and drink. If you aren’t careful with what you consume, you may experience undesirable side effects. In the case that you do get sick, it’s always a good idea to have the right medication to ease your symptoms. Also, consult with your doctor about mixing certain foods with your medications because sometimes they don’t mix well. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Dress for Comfort Rather than Style
There are many stresses that occur when traveling: excessive walking, standing, and change in temperature and climate. It’s a good idea to avoid tight clothing, but rather to opt for looser materials that allow more circulation and reduce the risk of heat stroke, hypertension, and high blood pressure as well. It may also be a good idea to dress in layers so that you are ready for any type of weather that comes your way. When packing, make sure that your carry-on has everything you need for the length of your flight or road trip. It’s important to be comfortable so see these extra tips of what to put in your carry-on to make the most of your travel.
Concordis communities provide the most complete services available in an assisted living environment. Our goal is to provide outstanding senior care environments that enable our residents to enjoy life and prolong their independence. Wherever you’re headed, we want you to feel at home when you return!