Tips for Senior Travelers in Summer

1. Tips for Senior Travelers in Summer Tips for Senior Travelers in Summer With summer season in full swing, travelling plans and vacations are round the corner for people of all age groups. Of course there is excitement and fervour to explore new destinations and break the monotony of routines. For elders especially, these golden years are ideally the best phases in life for travelling with additional luxuries of time and perhaps even money. Yet travelling in hot summer remains a challenge for most elderly persons. Staying away from known comfort of one’s own home and dwelling in a new environment for seniors needs cautious thinking and adequate planning. These challenges can be overcome by following some diligent measures. Doing so ensures that the journey is comfortable and safe, health hazards are avoided and any medical exigencies are taken care of. Often seniors need to travel long distances for physician consultations or in pursuit of medical diagnosis or treatment at a distant healthcare facility or hospital. Under such circumstances, Senior Medical Transportation (SMT) is a good economical proposition for senior travellers. SMT facilities include stretchers and wheelchairs for accommodating the patient’s medical needs and mobility limitations. Additionally, some elders with existing health issues, physical disabilities, dietary restrictions and routine medications may need assistance during travel even in non-emergencies. Such seniors who wish to undertake travel to new places to meet their loved ones or for holidaying may avail Non- Emergency Ambulance Services. These services are equipped with hygienic healthcare equipment and devices, trained nurses and paramedics for providing the required healthcare support during the journey. Let us now explore the tips to be taken for smooth senior travel.

2. Safe Senior Travel Tips Healthcare Tips Safe Senior Travel Tips Healthcare Tips ✔ Avoid holiday destinations with extreme climates ✔ Get a complete health check-up done before travelling and ensure prescribed vaccinations are not missed ✔ Consult the physician for medication schedule adjustments if you are crossing time-zones ✔ Keep adequate stock of emergency and routine medications. Also, having a spare of essentials (like spectacles, hearing-aids, batteries) is important ✔ Carry health records and medical history documents ✔ Wear comfortable footwear and loosely fitting light clothing to avoid sweating ✔ Use sanitizers periodically to avoid germs and infections ✔ Avoid cramming of activities in your holiday schedule ✔ Consume nourishing, hygienically prepared and well-balanced healthy diets ✔ Take a few steps/stretch especially during long flights to avoid deep-vein thrombosis (blood clotting in legs) ✔ Do prior research on local medical centres

3. ✔ Make advance reservations for medical equipment like wheel chairs and walkers Summer vacation tips ✔ Drink plenty of water and other fluids to remain hydrated ✔ Anticipate frequent bathroom visits and stay in proximity to restrooms particularly during long travel ✔ Use hats, sunglasses and umbrellas ✔ Stay indoors during peak sunny hours ✔ Visit tourist attractions during non-peak periods to avoid jostling and noise pollution ✔ Pack light luggage to avoid exhaustion and discomfort of carrying over weighted ones Safety tips Summer vacation tips Safety tips ✔ Carry self-identification and travel documents ✔ Ensure that a comprehensive travel insurance is in place ✔ Choose group packages like pre-planned vacations or senior-citizen tours from authorised agents to reduce stress, avail discounts and spend quality time with peer groups ✔ Share travel plans and stay in touch with family members during vacation ✔ Be cautious of the surrounding environment and vigilant about your belongings ✔ Use safe and well-equipped vehicles for both local and out-station travel

4. ✔ Have a planned senior-friendly itinerary ✔ Don’t carry expensive gadgets and jewellery ✔ Use direct flights for journey whenever possible to avoid stress of changing aircrafts A positive outlook and sufficient precautions can make ‘Senior Summer Travel’ a fulfilling experience! A positive outlook and sufficient precautions can make ‘Senior Summer Travel’ a fulfilling experience!