If you or your loved one is a senior and planning on traveling this summer, being prepared ahead of time can make things go much smoother and make the trip much more enjoyable. After all, the key to a fun and memorable trip or vacation is enjoyment, relaxation, and fun.
Traveling With Medication
One of the most important things that a senior or their loved one needs to factor in is medication. Not only do you need to make sure that you are bringing the correct medication, and the right amount for the duration of the trip, but you’ll also need to make sure that certain medications are stored properly. For example, some medications need to be kept cold. One of the best things seniors can do is to speak with their doctor before the trip and get recommendations. The last thing someone wants is for medication to run out or spoil mid-trip. Also, when flying, don’t put medication in a checked bag, in case it’s needed during the flight, or gets lost.
Access
Some seniors may have trouble with certain trip itineraries, due to limitations of their bodies, handicaps, or stamina problems. If, for example, you’re taking a trip to Peru, and plan on visiting Machu Picchu, there are a lot of steps, with no accessibility for those that may be in wheelchairs, use walkers, or have trouble with strenuous exercise. These kinds of things should be taken in account when traveling with seniors. Also, try and plan trips to places that have accessible restrooms. Having a plan for each place you’re visiting, including maybe considering resting along the way, can go a long way to provide comfort and security to seniors.
Vaccinations
While at the doctor discussing medication (mentioned above), one should also consider making sure all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. In some countries, diseases are considerably more prevalent than in the United States. Seniors are more susceptible to diseases than their younger counterparts. In fact, more than half of cases of tetanus are from people 65 or older. Making sure to get vaccinated can be integral to the safety and peace of mind that you deserve on your trip.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
When traveling, everyone enjoys sampling the local fare. However, make sure the place you go reputable. The reason? Food, and drink, borne illness. The sanitation and water quality standards in some countries are not as stern as in the United States. Simply eating a local soup from a street vendor could cause seniors to have debilitating stomach issue, ruining the trip. Also, drinking any water in some foreign countries can cause the same kinds of issues. The solution? Eat food at popular tourist restaurants. These will tend to have higher quality food and standards. As for water, buy bottled water for the best possible results. If possible, buy bottled water that is a brand you know. You may even be able to bring water with you, as long as you check it in. But be sure to follow your airline’s guidelines before doing it. Being careful about what you eat and drink can be the difference between an amazing trip, and an amazingly bad trip.
Traveling Conclusion
Traveling with seniors can be a fun and enjoyable experience that both will remember forever. Being prepared and vigilant is the key to a successful, safe, and memorable traveling experience. Be well.
Bonaventure Senior Living
At Bonaventure Senior Living, we have Retirement Perfected, Living Perfected, Dining Perfected, and Fitness Perfected. The best way to see for yourself is to Book-A-Tour today and discover how you can live life on your own terms. We specialize in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, that way, no matter what your current situation is, we have all levels of care covered if your needs ever change.
Independent Living
With Independent Living, we want you to enjoy Simplified Living, allowing you to have the freedom to do what makes you happy. Our Independent Living is designed to accommodate the exceptional senior lifestyle that you’ve earned. What’s even better, is that with Independent Living we offer whatever supportive services that you may need at any time you may need them. Now that’s Retirement Perfected.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living at Bonaventure Senior Living is simple: all the lifestyle benefits of our Independent Living, but with any extra support that you may need. Our philosophy is based on three simple things: choice, independence, and dignity. Now that’s Assisted Living at its finest.
Memory Care
Every senior is a unique person, and our Memory Care approach is no different. We tailor our Memory Care by connecting with family members and taking time to understand each person’s specific circumstances. This includes mental, emotional, and physical health. Our Memory Care creates an honorable and professional plan to make sure that each person lives their life to the fullest. That’s the way Memory Care should be.
