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You worked hard all your life. Now, finally,
you can sit back and enjoy the fruits of your
labor. And what better way than to visit the
exotic places you've read about all your life?
Still, older travelers do have certain health
concerns and taking the extra precautions can make
the difference between an enjoyable time and a
nightmarish ordeal.
Pre-trip
Preparing for a trip is the
most important part of the holiday. Older
travelers need to take into account illness,
medication and other contingencies.
For starters, look for travel packages that
offer cancellation insurance in case of unexpected
illness. Most travel insurance programs have trip
cancellation coverage but do not cover voluntary
cancellation coverage.
Furthermore, most domestic medical insurance
programs do not cover chronic medical condition
when one is abroad. It therefore pays to invest in
travel insurance that covers your medical expenses
abroad and emergency evacuation. A 24- hour
assistance company that provides medical as well
as technical assistance; such as assistance with
emergency flight arrangements and visas.
Older travelers over 65 are strongly urged to
vaccinate themselves against pneumonia, influenza,
poliomyelitis, tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis
(especially Virus type A). Travelers to the
tropics should also get anti-malaria medication
before departure and to use insect repellent
often.
Medical Contingencies
For those on
long-term medication, bring sufficient supply to
last the entire trip. As an added precaution,
carry a list of these medications, with their
brand names and chemical composition.
If syringes or special medications are
required, ensure that you have the treating
doctor's letter explaining your medical condition,
the required drugs and their dosages to show the
customs officer.
If you are epileptic or diabetic, carry a
medical tag mentioning your condition with you at
all times. As you are unlikely to obtain food you
are used to, be prepared with gastrointestinal
medication like stool softeners and/or laxatives.
Most Common Chronic
Diseases
Traveler's diarrhea can be quite
devastating for older people. And for those with
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, the 15% -
18% decrease in oxygen pressure in commercial
airlines flying at a high altitude can have
adverse effects. Therefore, it is good practice to
ensure that you are medically fit to fly before
even paying for the tour!
For those with cardiovascular disease, be aware
that airlines consider recent myocardial
infection, unstable angina and complicated heart
failure as contra-indications for flying. Turn to
your family doctor or assistance company for
information and advice.
Travelers with implanted pacemakers should
always carry their medical tags in their pockets
with information on the pacemaker model and latest
EKG (Electrocardiogram) with and without pacemaker
activation.
If you are diabetic, irregular meal schedules,
unfamiliar food, scarce supplies of medication and
change of physical activity are factors that may
upset your usual medication routine. If you
require insulin treatment, an adjustment is always
necessary. This is especially if your east-west
travel crosses more than six time zones. Then
self-checking of blood sugar every six hours is
required.
Get from your doctor a specific adapted
treatment that suits you. Remember you need to
adjust the insulin levels on the day of departure
and readjust the dosage upon arrival at the
destination.
In-flight
Motion sickness, jet lag
and cramps can be minimized by using prescribed
medications suitable for older travelers. Research
has shown that scopolamine patches for motion
sickness do not react well on older travelers.
They often precipitate mental status changes,
constipation, dry mouth and glaucoma.
Occasionally, among the very old, they lead to
increased excitement and agitation. These patches
may also give rise to heat stroke later,
especially in the tropics, by reducing one's
ability to perspire.
Dress comfortably, preferably a loose outfit,
for a long flight. To avoid cramps, walk regularly
in the plane or at the airport to keep your
circulation going. Reduce alcohol and cigarette
consumption as they lead to dehydration. Remember
to disconnect and remove your hearing devices
before landing to avoid suffering unduly from
pressure changes.
Safe and enjoyable travel is possible. So
contact your doctor to receive tailored answers
and make sure that your concerns have been
addressed so you can take appropriate precautions.
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