Where should I go on vacation? With May starting today, this is probably a question you’ll be asking yourself with a little more consistency in the weeks to come. With spring in full swing and summer on the way, it’s the ideal time of year to plan a trip. While travelling can be fun for people of all ages, older adults are cautioned to take certain measures before setting sail.
Here are four essential tips for senior vacationers to ensure safe travels:
1. Be a wise packer.
Before heading off to an exciting destination, consider the weight of the luggage you’ll have to lug around. Wouldn’t it make life easier if your bags weren’t so heavy? You want to be mindful of the strain you place on your body when carrying your luggage. Not only should you try to pack light, but it’s a good idea to pack clothing that is versatile and can be layered for changing weather conditions.
“Packing light is an art: roll, fold, vacuum pack,” notes Slobodanka Graham of Sixty And Me, “But your contents determine how light or how heavy your bag is. I weigh everything to get it under the average 7 kgs limit. Don’t be fooled by clothes in synthetic fabrics that roll easily – they are generally heavier than cotton, linen and wool.”
2. Stay hydrated and eat well.
It’s wise to carry reusable water bottles around with you. Maintaining proper hydration and nutrition is particularly vital for seniors as being dehydrated is known to increase the risk of falling. Especially when travelling to warm weather destinations, drinking water on a regular basis is essential for optimum health. Opt for healthy meals and snacks as well. This will help to keep your energy levels up when walking to and from all of your tourist attractions.
The Morada Senior Living team notes that drinking water isn’t just about quenching thirst. “It’s about nurturing health,” stresses their website, “Drinking water maintains cognitive function and physical balance, which is especially important as you enjoy new adventures. Wrapping each night’s sleep with a morning glass of water aids recovery, preparing you to savor every moment of your retirement travel.”
3. Pace yourself and take short breaks.
It’s easy to get really excited about visiting the popular sites of your travel destinations. However, it’s important to remember to pace yourself and take things slow. Older adults can find themselves getting tired quickly. Don’t feel pressured to see everything in one day. Take breaks when you need them. It’s important to listen to your body. Be sure to plan rest periods throughout your itinerary to avoid exhaustion.
“It’s vitally important for seniors to take breaks while driving or riding in a car for long periods of time,” alerts Jeff Bevis of Forbes, “If on an airplane or train, it’s best to periodically get up and walk around or stretch. Seniors can also exercise their calf muscles and stretch their legs while sitting.”
4. Travel with Travel Buggy.
Travel Buggy is a convenient electric wheelchair that is lightweight and easy to fold. It can fit in the back of just about any vehicle without the need for any speciality equipment. Moreover, with a tight turning radius and powerful motors, Travel Buggy is perfect for indoor and outdoor use. To learn all about it, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
