What special requirements do senior travellers need to consider

It’s perfectly fine for seniors to stay at home, make themselves comfortable in an armchair, watching TV or knitting something for a family member. But every now and then, seniors might want to spread their wings. Whether it’s visiting family, escaping the cold winter, or just a change of scenery, where it comes to travel, seniors have possibilities. However, they do need to consider a few details.

Medication Alert

Most seniors take several medications a number of times during the day.Not all countries have the same laws when it comes to prescription drugs. What can be a common over the counter medicine in one, can be illegal in another. If you are travelling with medical conditions, you may need to get prescription licenses, depending on the country you are visiting. When it comes to taking the medicine, If you know that your memory isn’t what it used to be and you might forget to take a tablet, arrange with the airline staff for a medication alert. The staff will be happy to assist and once again, you’ll have peace of mind. Alternatively, you can wear a medication alert watch.

Travel Insurance

As you get older, things don’t always work as well as they once did and many older people have medical conditions. To ensure that these conditions do not go against your claim, should you need to make one, it is important that you take out special medical travel insurance. Many companies offer medical travel insurance which caters for different age groups. For example, travel insurance for over 70 will be specialised to cater for common conditions and problems this age group are susceptible to. Nobody likes to idea of getting sick or having an accident, but it is possible. Having insurance will give you peace of mind. No matter what happens, expenses will be covered. At the same time, make copies of your medication prescriptions.

Luggage

Make a list of everything you might need. Clothing, underwear, toiletries, etc. Forego a suitcase, but rather opt for a case on wheels. If possible, don’t carry a handbag, but give preference to a little bag that you can strap to your body underneath a blouse or shirt.

Make Plans

When flying to a destination, it’s always a good idea to research the cheapest airline, and which time of the year and even day of the week is cheapest to fly and make a reservation six to eight week ahead. Give preference to a direct flight vs. a stopover even if the cost is a little higher. With a stopover, you have to get off the plane, find your way around a strange airport and hope that you’re in time to catch the connecting flight. This is stressful.

If you require the use of a wheelchair, make this known so that the airport can make arrangements.

Dressing for Travel

Dress comfortably to travel. A skirt and blouse or suit might look good, but if you feel more comfortable in a dress or a tracksuit, by all means, give preference to your comfort. Choose walking shoes that you can slip easily in and out off.

Checkpoint Security

Airline passengers get screened in airports. They either walk past sensors or an airline official performs a wand screening. To avoid setting off alarms at security checkpoints, carry a doctor’s note with you if you have any type of metal in your body. Whether it’s a metal pin, screws, or a hip or knee implant. Having such a document with you will save you a lot of hassle with the airport officials.

Travel Choices

If you know you want a vacation, but you’re not quite sure where to go, look into a cruise or a guided tour for seniors. Both cruises and tours are meticulously planned start to finish, with staff that is around 24/7. Many companies cater to seniors with disabilities and match them with people with similar conditions or in the same age bracket.

As a senior, you are not limited to an armchair and a TV. There is a whole world of possibilities.