Travel tips for seniors

Whether you’re booking a cruise, touring Europe, or planning a cross-country holiday trip to see the family, a few health precautions will make travel easier.

If you’ll be traveling outside the U.S., visit www.cdc.gov/travel and click your destinations to see the suggested vaccinations. You can also check to see which water- or food-borne illnesses are common in the places you’ll be visiting.

Call your doctor or schedule an appointment so he or she can order your vaccines. The HMF Vaccine Clinic has the most commonly requested vaccines in stock. Some shots need to be administered six weeks prior to traveling, so don’t wait. (See the clinic address and hours here.)

At your appointment, ask your HMF physician to write down the following:

• a summary of your medical conditions and how they are treated;
• the names (and generic names) of drugs you’re taking, the doses, timing, and how you take them (pills, inhaler, injection, etc.); and
• the amount of each drug you need for your trip.

A written document from a physician will make getting through customs easier, and help you get replacement drugs if you lose any while traveling. Keep one copy of the document with you and a photocopy in your luggage.

Keep all prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs and supplements in their original containers. Pack your medications in your carry-on bag to avoid loss or damage.

If you’ll need a wheelchair, make arrangements with your airline in advance for each leg of the journey. If you need a special meal (low-sodium, vegetarian, etc.), order it when you make your reservations. If you need portable oxygen equipment ask your doctor for their preferred DME (Durable Medical Equipment) company.

Visit www.tsa.gov/travelers for the latest information on air travel security regulations.

If you’ll be seated for several hours on an airplane or train, ask your doctor about wearing compression stockings to help prevent deep-vein thrombosis, a potentially dangerous condition in which blood clots in the legs block blood flow.

Stay hydrated on the plane. The air in the cabin is dry, so ask for bottle of water every time the flight attendant offers food or beverages.

If you’ll be will be crossing time zones, ask your doctor how you should adjust your schedule for taking medications.
Step up your personal hygiene during your trip to prevent illness. Wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after spending time on a crowded plane, train, or bus, and before eating.

For more information on traveling, check these sites:

www.usa.gov/Topics/Seniors/Travel.shtml

www.aarpmagazine.org/travel

www.smartertravel.com/senior-travel