38 WELLNESS FOR ALL

TRAVEL

Intrepid 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

The retirement years can be an exciting time to see the world... so long as there’s a little planning. By NIRMALA SIVANATHAN

fly 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

travellers who have the time and

Indeed, some ‘silver travellers’ are actively seeking out their own adventures. A cooperative called Silver Horizon was recently started

never too old to

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 changes and sea sickness are just some of the things that can adversely affect any traveller and even more so, seniors. Common complaints among elderly tourists include joint aches exacerbated by cold weather, indigestion caused by foreign food, and exhaustion.

“Having said that, travelling can be a very positive experience for them,” says Dr Carol Tan-Goh, geriatric specialist and consultant at the Raffles Internal Medicine Centre. “Age should not stop anyone from travelling as long as certain basic principles are observed and precautions

taken.” So what should seniors do before booking their tickets?

Talk to your docIf 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

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.

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TRAVEL

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 physically-impaired more convenient.

> Portable Suction Grab BarThis 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 fl at surface without drilling. It is easily

installed and uninstalled in seconds, and is great for travel.

> Easy Go ChairComfortable 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

and stowing in overhead compartments a breeze.

> Focus Portable Oxygen ConcentratorWeighing less than 0.8 kg, this is the world’s smallest and lightest portable oxygen concentrator. It never needs refi lling, 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.

TRAVEL PROPS

— a blockage of the main artery of the lung — if such a clot detaches and makes its way to the lungs.

To prevent DVT on a long flight, get up and walk around whenever possible. If you can’t walk around, try raising and lowering your heels while keeping your toes on the floor, then raising your toes while your heels are on the floor. Talk to your doctor about using compression stockings. These can help to prevent blood clots forming in the legs.

To stave off dehydration, seniors should make a conscious effort to drink enough water on the flight, and to avoid alcohol, coffee and tea.

And it isn’t just how you get there that you should be conscious about, but what you will be doing. “Avoid tour packages that are too rushed, or plans that include walking long distances, especially if you have heart problems or breathing difficulties,” advises Dr Tan-Goh.

Before travelling, you should also be

aware of facts about your destination that could affect health, such as altitude and climate — the thinner air at high altitudes can make breathing difficult and contribute to nausea. Seniors might also have a hard time recovering from

jet lag and motion sickness.

Travellers’ diarrhea is common and may be more serious in seniors, so they should also keep this in mind: Avoid eating food or drinks bought from street vendors as well as raw or undercooked meat and seafood. Stick to bottled water, canned

drinks, hot tea or coffee. Tap water, ice made from tap water, unpasteurised milk and dairy products are best avoided.

Travel prescriptionsYour doctor will also be able to advise you on the vaccinations you need, depending on your destination. According to Dr Tan-Goh, “More than half of tetanus cases are in people over 65, so seniors should

installed and uninstalled in seconds, and stowing in overhead compartments a breeze.

PROPS

Travel prescriptionsYour doctor will also be able to advise you on the vaccinations you need, depending on your destination. According to Dr Tan-Goh, “More than half of tetanus cases are in people over 65, so seniors should

SENIORS MIGHT HAVE A HARD TIME RECOVERING FROM JET LAG AND MOTION SICKNESS, SO THEY SHOULD TAKE THIS INTO ACCOUNT WHEN PLANNING A TRIP.

and portability in a snap. It features large wheels that glide easily,

convenient to use than compressed oxygen. The device runs on both AC and DC power, and comes with a rechargeable battery and a strap

Check out www.lifeline.com.sg for surface without drilling. It is easily

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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 goEarly 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-

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 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.

Keeping Injury At Bay

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!

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