7 ways to stay healthy when travelling
Katie Ford has been an avid fan of travel since she was little girl, often spending her time watching planes leaving Sydney and wishing she was on them, regardless of their destination. She has since made her passion her living, indulging in every possible food, fashion and lifestyle the world has to offer. You can follow her on Twitter.
Age should not be a barrier to overseas travel. If you are in reasonably good health and use some common sense, there's no reason why it should become one. There are, however, some differences to travelling as a senior, and you may have to make some allowances for them.
Being prepared for travel is the best way to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. It also helps to keep yourself as fit and healthy as you can while you're away.
1. Decide where you want to go, and plan ahead
Things have changed a lot from the days when you could just put a blindfold on and stick a pin in the map. While a spontaneous mindset is great for a holiday, there are more things you need to consider when making a decision about your destination. Among them include:
- Standard of medical facilities available
- Whether emergency medical care is covered under reciprocal agreements
- Rules and regulations pertaining to visas
- Public transport
- Access to communications
- Any unusual or important laws that you need to know about
You can easily research any destination you're considering by doing a simple web search and reading as much as you can.
2. Set aside enough money for the whole trip, and then add 30 per cent
According to a recent survey Australian seniors spend an average $6,484 every year on holidays, almost double as that as millennials who spend $3,380 a year. In fact, one in five people over 50 have admitted that they use their children’s inheritance for their travels! Regardless of how you fund your trip, it’s imperative that you budget appropriately. That means your scripts need to be filled for your trip, so include it as part of your budget.
3. Pre-trip check-ups
Once you've chosen the destination, done your research, and set the budget, it's time to visit your GP to discuss your plans. You need to make sure you're in good enough shape to travel without any health problems. Your doctor will also be able to advise whether you need any vaccinations or other medications for the journey.
4. Consult with your doctor about certain activities
If you're planning some more adventurous activities for your holiday, it's important to discuss these with your doctor to find out if there's any reason why you shouldn't participate in them, or if there are any extra precautions you should take. It always helps to have your doctor put in writing what medical conditions you’re currently being treated for, your current dosage for each medication as well as the names and contact information for the medical professionals you are seeing.
5. Packing medication
If you require any special medications, you should obtain a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to have this medication. The letter should also indicate how much you'll be carrying with you, and that the medicine is solely for your own personal use.
What your doctor probably can't advise you about is whether the medicine is legal to import into the country that you're visiting. For that information, it is best tocontact the embassy of that country directly, and obtain the information from them.
Leave all medicines in their original packaging so they can be easily identified. Bring the prescription and doctor's letter in your cabin bag, not in your checked luggage. Ideally you should also pack the medicines in your cabin bag as well so you can access them quickly in an emergency.
6. Avoid DVT on long flights by exercising
DVT is shorthand for ‘deep vein thrombosis’. A thrombosis occurs when blood forms a clot in a blood vessel, and they're really dangerous. You are most likely to get them if you sit still for a long time without moving much, such as when you're on a long flight. Always consult with your doctor if you can use a compression stocking during the flight to prevent DVT. It's important that you exercise as much as you can, as this will help to keep the blood circulating smoothly.
For senior travellers, it's actually better not to have a window seat. By sitting closer to the aisle it will be easier for you to get out of your seat and walk around the cabin for 10 to 15 minutes. Be sure to stay hydrated with water (that means no coffee or tea!) and do your best to stretch your feet, ankles, knees, shoulders, arms, neck and back to the best of your ability.
No matter where you sit, fidgeting is a good idea. Simply lifting your feet off the ground occasionally may be enough to help prevent your blood from settling enough to create a thrombosis. These exercises can also help on long bus journeys, so don't think they are only useful on flights, or that flights are the only place DVT could occur.
7. Stay active
Being on holiday gives you plenty of opportunities for physical activity, and you should seize those opportunities to help you stay fit and active. Walking is always an option, but some locations may provide swimming, or gym facilities. You can also exercise in your room, and exercise bands can be good for this. These are usually made from rubber, and they're great for travel because they're small, light, and easy to pack.
What other tips would you suggest? Let us know in the comments below.