{"id":8140,"date":"2024-03-05T16:59:32","date_gmt":"2024-03-05T21:59:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/6c3d125d92.nxcli.io\/baltimore\/tips-for-a-stress-free-enjoyable-vacation-with-aging-parents\/"},"modified":"2024-03-05T16:59:32","modified_gmt":"2024-03-05T21:59:32","slug":"tips-for-a-stress-free-enjoyable-vacation-with-aging-parents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carepatrol.com\/baltimore\/tips-for-a-stress-free-enjoyable-vacation-with-aging-parents\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips For A Stress-Free, Enjoyable Vacation With Aging Parents"},"content":{"rendered":"

Travel is good for the body and mind. It expands perspectives, and provides new and interesting things to consider and experience. \u201cIn general, traveling, going to new places and meeting up with family and old and new friends is really vital for our mental health,\u201d said Kathleen Cameron, senior director of NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging1<\/sup>. Traveling with a senior citizen though can often be a challenge, especially if they have medical needs or disabilities. Planning ahead, doing the research, and having a back-up plan can help dodge common travel hazards and make for a more relaxed experience. Following these tips can help everything go as smoothly as possible.<\/p>\n

Follow Public Health Guidance<\/strong>
\nTravelers, especially those over 50, should be aware of travel alerts and possible health implications.2\u00a0<\/sup>Always consult medical professionals if there are any concerns prior to traveling. Additionally, the CDC has a wealth of travel guidance, including frequently asked questions and tools for gauging COVID-19 risk by destination at\u00a0cdc.gov\/travel<\/a>.3<\/sup><\/p>\n

Know the TSA Rules<\/strong>
\nThe Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has important guidelines for those with disabilities or medical conditions. TSA usually allows those 75 or older to go through the security pre-check line, which means it\u2019s not necessary to remove shoes or separate laptops or liquids from carry-ons. Other travelers under 75 can leverage the TSA Precheck or\u00a0Global Entry<\/a>\u00a0program to avoid the lines. For domestic flights, use\u00a0TSA Precheck<\/a>\u00a0and for international flights use Global Entry. Each program has a non-refundable application fee and requires travelers to apply for the program well in advance of travel. But if approved, the status lasts for five years.1,4<\/sup><\/p>\n

Prevent Fall Hazards<\/strong>
\nIt\u2019s important to keep in mind the surroundings during travel in order to help prevent falls. Seniors are at higher risk of falls and higher risk of injury from falls. Seniors should wear the right shoes by finding a pair that won\u2019t slip. Encourage an elderly traveler to use railings and grab bars to help them navigate. Request non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower. A gentle exercise that involves slow and graceful dance-like movements, such as walking or water workouts can reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility5<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

Pack Wisely<\/strong>
\nOnce the\u00a0 travel destination has been chosen, and lodging and transportation have been planned, strategize to pack key essentials, such as medications, sunscreen, toiletries, comfortable footwear and clothing. About 1-2 weeks prior to travel, take inventory of any medications needed during the trip and upon return. Have a backup plan. Be flexible and use it if something goes wrong. Pack additional medication in case of travel delays. Make sure to take a list of medications, doctors, and the location of a pharmacy covered by insurance (or Medicare) at the destination.6<\/sup>\u00a0If the medication is a liquid and requires syringes, pumps, freezer packs, or IV bags, the TSA will allow it to be carried on the plane. Before packing,\u00a0check the TSA\u2019s rules<\/a>\u00a0on how to pack medications appropriately.7<\/sup>\u00a0Always pack medications in carry-ons where they can be\u00a0 accessed easily, and can\u2019t be lost or delayed in transit.<\/p>\n

Remember, packing light is key. The less there is to carry, the less there is to worry about and manage.\u00a0 Seniors should pick a lightweight suitcase. Wheels, and a manageable size will help prevent strain or difficulty. The lightweight suitcase should be resilient and have secure locking systems, providing peace of mind8\u00a0<\/sup>See what The Green Voyage recommends for the\u00a011 Best Lightweight Luggage For Seniors & Older Travelers (2023).<\/a><\/p>\n

Stay Active and Hydrated<\/strong>
\nDuring the trip, encourage seniors to engage in light physical activities if they have the mobility, like walking and swimming, to counteract the long periods of sitting on a plane or automobile and to help maintain good health9<\/sup>. It is important for seniors (and everyone) to use their\u00a0sunscreen<\/a>10<\/sup>\u00a0for protection and keep water handy. According to the NIH,\u00a0hydration<\/a>\u00a0is paramount, especially for seniors11<\/sup>. Proper hydration can be troublesome any time of year but especially\u00a0 in the hotter summer months. Know the surroundings, so that if water supplies run low, it is easy to identify where to quickly stock up. Take regular breaks. Enjoy the new surroundings, rest and relax throughout outings, and find appreciation at a slower pace.<\/p>\n

Protect Skin from the Sun<\/strong>
\nThe fatty layer below the skin gets thinner with age, allowing UV light to penetrate more deeply, causing more vulnerability to skin damage and ultimately increasing the risk of getting skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Protect skin every day by following these handy guidelines:12<\/sup><\/p>\n