TRAVEL
never too old to
fly The retirement years can be an exciting time to see the world... so long as there’s a little planning. By NIRMALA SIVANATHAN
I
ntrepid seniors have it good. Last year, for the first time, the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) encouraged its partner agencies to offer tours targeted at travellers aged 55 and above — and at its Travel Fair in August 2012, 30 agencies obliged. Prior to that, only a handful of senior packages existed. As NATAS chief executive Robert Khoo told the media then, “There is a huge market for mature travellers who have the time and money to travel”. Indeed, some ‘silver travellers’ are actively seeking out their own adventures. A cooperative called Silver Horizon was recently started 38
WELLNESS FOR ALL
by a group of travel enthusiasts who are mostly retirees, and they work with tour agents to create packages for their age group. For example, when devising such a package, instead of a theme park outing, visits to scenic or cultural attractions would be offered instead. But travelling at any age has its drawbacks, and these can be amplified by advanced age. As anyone who has ever flown long distance will tell you, travelling takes a physical toll. Long flights, sudden weather IF YOU ARE IN YOUR changes and sea sickness are just some of the things that can 60S OR OLDER, adversely affect any traveller YOUR FIRST STEP and even more so, seniors. WHEN MAKING Common complaints among elderly tourists include joint TRAVEL PLANS IS TO aches exacerbated by cold VISIT YOUR DOCTOR. weather, indigestion caused by HE OR SHE WILL BE foreign food, and exhaustion. ABLE TO ASSESS YOUR “Having said that, travelling can be a very positive FITNESS FOR TRAVEL, experience for them,” says AS WELL AS OFFER Dr Carol Tan-Goh, geriatric YOU PERSONALISED specialist and consultant at the Raffles Internal Medicine ADVICE ON HOW Centre. “Age should not stop TO STAY HEALTHY anyone from travelling as long ON YOUR TRIP. as certain basic principles are observed and precautions taken.” So what should seniors do before booking their tickets?
Talk to your doc
PHOTOS: Shutterstock
If you are in your 60s or older, your first step when making travel plans is to visit your doctor. He or she will be able to assess your fitness for travel, as well as offer you personalised advice on how to stay healthy on your trip. Discuss with your doctor what type of travel is suitable, be it a long-haul flight, a coach tour or a sea cruise. Different modes of transport pose unique risks. For example, the elderly are at greater risk on long-haul flights. “There is a higher risk of seniors developing deep vein thrombosis and dehydration,” says Dr Tan-Goh. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — blood clots that form primarily in the legs — can cause pain and swelling, and even a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism ISSUE 4
39
TRAVEL — a blockage of the main artery of the aware of facts about your destination lung — if such a clot detaches and that could affect health, such as altitude makes its way to the lungs. and climate — the thinner air at high To prevent DVT on a long flight, get altitudes can make breathing difficult up and walk around whenever possible. and contribute to nausea. Seniors might If you can’t walk around, try raising and also have a hard time recovering from lowering your heels jet lag and motion while keeping your toes sickness. SENIORS MIGHT on the floor, then raising Travellers’ diarrhea your toes while your is common and may be HAVE A HARD TIME heels are on the floor. more serious in seniors, RECOVERING FROM Talk to your doctor so they should also keep JET LAG AND MOTION this in mind: Avoid about using compression SICKNESS, SO THEY stockings. These can eating food or drinks help to prevent blood bought from street SHOULD TAKE THIS clots forming in the legs. as well as raw INTO ACCOUNT WHEN vendors To stave off or undercooked meat PLANNING A TRIP. dehydration, seniors and seafood. Stick to should make a conscious bottled water, canned effort to drink enough water on the drinks, hot tea or coffee. Tap water, ice flight, and to avoid alcohol, coffee made from tap water, unpasteurised and tea. milk and dairy products are best And it isn’t just how you get there avoided. that you should be conscious about, but what you will be doing. “Avoid tour Your doctor will also be able to advise packages that are too rushed, or plans you on the vaccinations you need, that include walking long distances, especially if you have heart problems or depending on your destination. According to Dr Tan-Goh, “More breathing difficulties,” advises Dr than half of tetanus cases are in Tan-Goh. Before travelling, you should also be people over 65, so seniors should
Travel prescriptions
TRAVEL PROPS So maybe you are not as nimble as you once were — but that doesn’t mean you can’t travel! Here are three devices designed to make travelling for seniors and the physicallyimpaired more convenient.
> Portable Suction Grab Bar
This handy device will make it easier for you to get in and out of the bathtub, shower or toilet. With two powerful suction cup holders, this portable grab bar can be mounted on any smooth flat surface without drilling. It is easily
installed and uninstalled in seconds, and is great for travel.
and stowing in overhead compartments a breeze.
> Easy Go Chair
> Focus Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Comfortable and easy to use, this transportable wheelchair folds down for storage and portability in a snap. It features large wheels that glide easily, fully padded swing away armrests, and removable footrests. Also included with the Easy Go Chair is a sturdy bag with handles that makes navigating airports
Weighing less than 0.8 kg, this is the world’s smallest and lightest portable oxygen concentrator. It never needs refilling, and is cheaper and more convenient to use than compressed oxygen. The device runs on both AC and DC power, and comes with a rechargeable battery and a strap so that you can wear it on the go. Check out www.lifeline.com.sg for more information.
Keeping Injury At Bay Besides illnesses, injuries can also pose problems for seniors hitting the road. Here are a few ways you can minimise your risk of injury: DRESS WELL If you are going to be out
in the sun and heat, wear wraparound sunglasses to reduce the risk of eye damage, as well as light and comfortable clothing that will keep you cool and help prevent sunburn and heatstroke. Or, if the weather is going to be cold, be prepared to bundle up.
CHOOSE HOTELS WELL Seniors are at risk of falls when moving around unfamiliar bedrooms and bathrooms. When selecting hotels, select one that is accommodating to seniors. Check to see if they have bathtubs and rooms that cater to seniors with mobility problems. TAKE A BREAK When travelling, it is
PHOTOS: Shutterstock
consider getting a tetanus booster shot before they travel. Immunisation against Hepatitis B — which can cause liver inflammation — should be considered. Seniors should also get other vaccines recommended for the countries they are visiting, such as for typhoid, polio and yellow fever.” If you are taking medication for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, top-up your prescriptions and get enough medicine to last at least two weeks beyond your planned travel period. “Certain prescription drugs might be harder to obtain overseas,” says Dr Tan-Goh. Your doctor may also prescribe medicine for malaria, motion sickness, altitude illness, and travellers’ diarrhea, depending on your travel plans.
Coverage on the go
Early last year, 68 year-old Vivian Goh went on a 12-day tour of Europe with
her 71 year-old sister. “What we didn’t really think about at the time was how cold Europe was going to be in January. Within two days of getting there, both my sister and I were sniffling. It was worse for my sister because she is not used to a hectic schedule and she was tired out by the tour, so her cold became worse.” Luckily, both sisters had travel insurance. They called the insurance company’s emergency travel hotline, and the customer service officer gave them a list of clinics in the vicinity of their hotel. When they got back home, they were able to claim the cost of the consultation and medication from their insurers. According to Dr Tan-Goh, “It is important to buy the right health insurance before travelling. Make sure your policy covers airlift back to your home country, as well as any pre-
important for seniors to take frequent breaks and only take on physical activity at an appropriate pace. Overextending yourself can result in injuries or illnesses. If you are going to be driving, stop at appropriate rest stops frequently to stretch and give your eyes and mind break and wear a seatbelt at all times.
existing medical conditions you may have, as many personal health insurance policies will not cover care in another country or treatment for pre-existing conditions.” If you are particularly worried about your health or the health of a senior you’re travelling with, it might be worthwhile doing some research into the medical facilities available at your destination. So if you are a senior who wants to get out there and explore the world, don’t let your health worries stop you. Just remember to pace yourself — don’t attempt to do too much or you may get run down and be vulnerable to infections and flare-ups. Get enough sleep, eat healthily and have fun! ISSUE 4
41