A Healthy Senior is a Ready-To-Go Traveler

The retirement years can be an exciting time to see the world, and senior travel is easier and safer than ever before. With a little planning and some caution, the elderly can safely visit almost any destination, however, there are several steps you can take to ensure that you stay as healthy as possible while traveling.

Health concerns are an integral part of trip planning. If you have a health condition that requires medication or special assistance, you can plan an enjoyable trip that accommodates your needs. Senior travel basics need to be reviewed before you leave home. Here are some  great tips follow.  Suddenly Senior also has suggestions for senior travelers that you may find helpful.

The Fit Senior – Travel Edition

Kari Eide and her co-author, Lissa Mueller, have created a travel fitness program for seniors that is portable, compact, adaptable and easy to use. Their travel exercise kit, The Fit Traveler – Senior Edition, uses an exercise band to tone and strengthen the entire body. Combining the short daily exercise band workout with Eide and Mueller’s diet and fitness tips can help senior travelers stay fit while on the road. Kari Eide kindly agreed to describe her senior travel fitness program for About.com’s readers.

Here are some things to consider when traveling with prescription drugs.  MD Travel Health is a complete travel health information for seniors that is updated daily and good travel tips just might cover something you’d not yet thought about.

Seniors Prepared for Emergencies

You may want to get a list of English-speaking doctors from the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers  www.iamat.org. IAMAT can be reached at 716-754 4883. If an emergency occurs while you’re traveling and you don’t have such a list, contact the American Consulate, American Express, or local medical schools for a list of doctors.

Senior diabetics, no matter where you go, wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace that shows you have diabetes. If you’re leaving the country, also learn how to say “I have diabetes” and “sugar or orange juice, please” in the language or languages of the countries you’ll visit.

Vive le Canada

Canada has some great tips and suggestions for seniors concerned about contracting a disease while abroad. Their Fact Sheet may be helpful if you are traveling to places like Africa. Peter Greenberg, has some travel news that senior travelers can use as well.

Safe and Healthy Travel for Senior Citizens

Senior travelers should see a doctor for a pre-travel visit.  Consider your physical limitations when planning a trip. Senior citizens with heart disease, for example, might choose an itinerary that does not involve strenuous activities. Jet lag and motion sickness may affect some seniors, so take these factors into account when planning a trip.

Lastly I will depart today with a one-stop website for senior travel complete with travel tips, travel articles and a travel guide.  Enjoy your trip, wherever you are headed and stay healthy on the way. jeb