Safe Voyage! Travel For Older Adults

Travel for Older Adults

This is an article from our friends at Senior Helpers that our readers may find helpful. Contact Information: Chad Neighbors (401)825-7200 cneighbors@seniorhelpers.com in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Safe Voyage! Travel for Older Adults

Staying physically active and connecting with other people are two important keys to successful aging, and travel is a great way to do both at once! Discounted travel packages designed for seniors are one of the "perks" of being an older traveler. And with the generations spread across the country, visits keep families connected. But some seniors hesitate to travel because they are afraid of illness or injury, or of getting lost, or encountering hazards along the way.

Even if an older adult's physical condition makes travel more of a challenge, many obstacles and potential problems can easily be overcome with a little advance planning. It is important to:

-review the traveler's health insurance policy before the trip. What are the conditions for receiving medical care out of the service area? Do benefits apply when traveling abroad?

-make sure immunizations are up to date, including the specific immunizations recommended or required for the area being visited.

-bring along enough medication for the trip, packed in carry-on luggage. Especially if traveling abroad, leave medications in their original prescription containers.

Special Assistance for Disabled Travelers

Some seniors are reluctant to travel because they feel insecure negotiating the crowded service desks and corridors of busy airports and other transportation terminals. A person with hearing difficulty often has the hardest time when there is significant background noise. A person with dizziness, limited vision, or mobility problems may fear falling or being jostled by crowds. But people who are basically able to travel and just need a little extra assistance can take advantage of these services available to travelers:

Boarding assistance-
Most airlines and rail lines have wheelchairs available for those unable to walk long distances, and some also offer formal "meet and assist" programs. It is best to confirm these services when booking tickets. At the gate, pre-boarding is usually available for persons who need extra time or feel unsafe in the crowding of general boarding.

Oxygen-
Persons with medical conditions requiring the use of an oxygen tank can travel safely on most kinds of public transport. Airlines have strict requirements about oxygen use. These usually include a letter from a physician explaining the person's oxygen requirement and a statement certifying that the oxygen provided by the airline is acceptable.

Disabled accessibility-
Most aircraft are wheelchair-accessible, though some small commuter planes are not. Trains and ships generally have a limited number of disabled-accessible cabins or compartments. Many resorts offer specially designed rooms and suites for use by persons in wheelchairs. Reservations for special facilities should be confirmed in writing before the trip begins.

Five Health Tips for Airline Passengers

Gone are the days when traveling by plane was a pampering treat! Nowadays, long security lines, delays and cramped seats are the norm. You can minimize discomfort by following a few steps:

-Get plenty of sleep before you leave.
-Drink water and avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages to avoid becoming dehydrated.
-Change sitting position frequently and walk down the aisle occasionally to avoid stiff joints or (in rare cases) dangerous blood clots.
-If you have a cold, take a decongestant and chew gum on takeoff and landing to avoid ear pain.
-Check with your doctor ahead of time if you have any questions about flying with your medical conditions.


(c)2008 IlluminAge Communication Partners

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The Law Offices of Jeremy W. Howe, LTD. are Elder Law Attorneys in Newport, Rhode Island who specialize in Wills and Trusts, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Probate, and Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits.

They also are Newport Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers, Attorneys, Mediators, and Arbitrators providing services for Family Law issues such as divorce, child custody and visitation, support, and Military Family Law.

Call them today at 401-841-5700 or visit them on the web at http://www.counselfirst.com