With the summer completely behind us, many of us are thinking about extending our stays within the warm weather. That means it’s pack-up-and-get-on-a-plane time! For many seniors, this is a yearly routine. “Snowbirds” find themselves in warmer climates down south over the winter. But, for most elderly individuals in Canada, the least they can do is take vacations during the year’s colder months.
There are, however, some important precautions that vacationing seniors should take when they are travelling. In our last blog, we listed some key ways that older adults can practice “safety first” while vacationing. They included researching senior-friendly accommodations, getting doctor checkups before setting sail, buying travel insurance, staying hydrated and eating healthy foods. In this blog, we’ll look at avoiding some of the most common mistakes made by vacationing seniors.
Don’t forget to pack your medications.
Of course, it’s not uncommon for older adults to have a number of medications they take daily. It’s cannot be stressed enough that leaving home without your prescribed meds is a huge no-no. As we pointed out in our last blog, a check up with the doctor is an important undertaking before you set off on vacation. During your visit, you should request a refill of any necessary medications to help with your current health complications.
It’s also a good idea to ask for a doctor’s note so that you can get another prescription filled if it is necessary during your trip. Put your meds in your carry-on bag so that you can have access to them during your flight. The last thing you want is for your luggage to go missing, leaving you without your much-needed medications.
“Take enough regular medication with you to last the entire trip,” encourages Travel Guard Canada, “Some drugs may not be available in other parts of the world. If you purchase medications during your trip, remember that the dosages may be different from the brands you are familiar with at home.”
Be sure to prepare for different climates.
With colder temperatures fast approaching, many Canadians think that a trip to the tropics will cure their winter woes. So, they fill their suitcases with shorts, t-shirts, trunks and skirts. The only problem is that their destinations may not necessarily be as hot and sunny as they’ve dreamed. Packing for various temperatures is the smart choice. You never know when you’ll be met with cool and/or rainy days.
In addition, it’s vital that older adults not overlook the impact that different climates may have on their health and comfort. Heat, in many cases, can exacerbate certain medical conditions. Remember that seniors are more prone to heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Cold weather, on the other hand, can worsen arthritis pain. Always check in on the weather forecasts of your destinations and pack accordingly.
“When it comes to clothing, pack comfortable outfits and shoes that are appropriate for the climate and activities you’ll be doing,” reminds Comfort Keepers, “Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses for sun protection, and consider packing a light jacket or sweater for cooler weather.”
Don’t ignore the time zone differences.
Have you ever experienced jet lag? As an older adult, the fatigue that comes with travelling to far off destinations can be pretty challenging. If you’re flying to a location with a vastly different time zone (England, for example, is five hours ahead of Canada’s Eastern Time Zone), you may want to rearrange your sleep schedule a day or two in advance.
In addition to adjusting your sleep patterns before your trip, it’s wise to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol. This will improve your energy levels when you hit the new time zone. Try not to schedule too many activities right after your arrival. Be sure to take some time to adjust and relax.
Courtesy of VeryWell Health, Dr. Brandon Peters notes that symptoms of jet lag include mental confusion, insomnia, irritability, fatigue, muscle soreness, cramps and the slowing down of physical and mental abilities. To minimize the impact of jet lag, Dr. Peters suggests that you “try to stay awake on the plane and when you arrive. Once you’re settled in, fight the urge to take a nap, and try to stay awake until your normal bedtime based on local time.”
Be mindful of your dietary restrictions.
Many older adults have to watch what they eat. We all do really. However, seniors are commonly required to follow specific diets in order to manage their health challenges. They must be wary of the food that is available in their travel destinations. Of course, many travellers enjoy indulging in local cuisines while on vacation. It’s all part of the experience! But will a change in diet create any digestive issues or even worse health problems?
It’s important to research the food options in the cities and countries you plan to visit. Maintaining your regular diet will be a vital part of staying strong and healthy. This will only allow you to enjoy your trip more. It’s a good idea to pack snacks or meal replacements that align with your dietary needs. As well, be sure to communicate your eating restrictions with hotel staff or tour operators. Doing so will help you to avoid worst-case health scenarios.
Take advantage of our fall “Travel Made Easy” promotion!
Advantage Home Health Solutions is so excited to introduce our latest promotion! When you purchase any of our select travel mobility products, we will give you a pair of Juzo compression socks for FREE! Our Travel Mobility Scooters include all three of our Travel Buggy models, the Q50R Sunrise and the Folding Scooter by Golden. Not to mention, our high-quality compression stockings work wonders in providing you with comfort and pain relief.
Hurry! You only have until 4:00 p.m. on November 3rd to take advantage of this great promotion. Get in touch with Advantage Home Health Solutions today! We always ensure that you have the complete picture to make an informed decision. You will know all of the possible options so you can choose which solution is best for you. Give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!