SENIOR SCENE: Some helpful hints for seniors from various travel experts

It’s summer and it’s vacation time. While it is always nice to “get away from it all”, there is always something we seem to forget. One has to make a plan, revise the plan, re-think the plan, and then make a contingency plan. For seniors there are often some special considerations, so today I will [...]

Article content It’s summer and it’s vacation time. While it is always nice to “get away from it all”, there is always something we seem to forget. One has to make a plan, revise the plan, re-think the plan, and then make a contingency plan.

For seniors there are often some special considerations, so today I will offer some helpful hints from various travel experts. Pre-trip planning should involve the following considerations: 1. Do your homework: Recommended Videos · Research medical facilities in the areas you will be visiting · Make arrangements to accommodate any special needs you may have such as a wheelchair, walker or guide dog. ·

Purchase travel insurance and ensure you have pre-existing illness coverage if necessary 2. An apple a day does not keep the doctor away: · Consult with your doctor for a complete check-up and advice about any dietary concerns, chronic condition management, or special precautions you should be taking during your vacation · Make sure your vaccinations are current and ask about any additional inoculations that might be required for infectious diseases · Take sufficient medication to last the entire trip and it is often wise to have a letter from your doctor or pharmacist listing your medication, describing its purpose, and explaining the quantity you have in your possession.

Leave your medication in the original container. 3. Packing up your troubles: · If you are flying, ensure that your carry-on bag contains everything you need for at least one day. Include your regular medications, antacids, painkillers, band-aids, oral hygiene products and a change of undergarments · Pack a spare pair of glasses.

Even an old prescription is better than none · Use a suitcase with wheels 4. Special “flying through the air with the greatest of ease” advice: · Beware of deep vein thrombosis; wear loose clothing, avoid alcohol, drink plenty of fluids, take strolls up and down the aisles, avoid sitting with your legs crossed, wear comfortable shoes, and perform leg/foot stretches and exercises when seated 5. When you get to where you are going: · Allow a day or two of rest to adjust to your new location and perhaps a different time zone ·

Drink bottled water and use it to brush your teeth · Be cautious of food poisoning; exercise discretion with buffets, seafood, raw fruits/vegetables, and unpasteurized dairy products. Do not purchase food from a street vendor. ·

Wear flip-flops or beach shoes in communal showers · If you experience traveler’s diarrhea, it may reduce the effectiveness of your medication. Consult with a doctor if you have this problem for more than one day 6.

Elmer the Safety Elephant says: · Do not travel around at night in strange surroundings · Do not wear expensive jewelry on obvious display · Carry valuables (currency, travelers’ cheques, credit cards) in a belt or small purse worn under your clothing · Consider carrying a “dummy” wallet with a small amount of cash that can readily be handed over in a crisis · Carry essential contact details with you at all times 7. Last, but not least: · Confirm all bookings and arrangements 48 hours before your departure · If you have special needs, ensure any airlines, rail lines, bus lines are aware of your requirements.

Do not be shy – ask for assistance. · If you require electricity for any of your medical needs, ensure the voltage in your vacation spot is compliant · Have several financial options when you are away.

Include credit/debit cards, traveler cheques, and cash and check for the availability of ATM’s · Photocopy all valuable travel documents – twice. Leave a copy with someone trustworthy at home, and carry your originals and the second copy with you, but located in separate areas of your luggage Have some fun out there!

Try to cross something off your bucket list! Information in this column is compiled by Shell-Lee Wert, CCSH, 470 Dundas Street East, Unit 63, Belleville, K8N 1G1. Please visit our website at https://ccsh.ca or email me at shell-leew@ccsh.ca, or call 613-969-0130 or 613-396-6591 for information and assistance.

Community Care is a proud United Way member agency. Funding in part from Ontario Health East.