Navigating Travel in Your 90s: Experts Share Safety and Health Advice
San Francisco, CA – As holiday travel surges, medical professionals are offering crucial advice for seniors, particularly those in their 90s, aiming to enjoy journeys safely. While travel at any age requires planning,older adults face unique considerations regarding health and physical safety,lessons that benefit travelers of all ages.
Experts emphasize the importance of proactive health measures before, during, and after travel. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine at the University of california, san Francisco, highlights the risk of respiratory illnesses. “even if you’re not feeling sick, it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings and take precautions,” he said.
Staying active during travel is also key. Even simple movements can make a difference. ”If you’re on a long flight or car ride, try to get up and move around periodically,” advised Dr. Susan Liu, a geriatrician at UCSF. “Even just moving their legs while sitting can definitely help.”
For those hosting gatherings during the holidays, experts recommend prioritizing ventilation. Dr. Chin-Hong suggests opening windows during large gatherings and avoiding close contact with anyone exhibiting respiratory symptoms. “Remember, what might be innocent in a child might be more detrimental to you,” he cautioned.”You can’t just say, ‘Oh Bobby has something mild.’ That’s not always true.”
Practical hosting considerations include providing seperate bathroom facilities for guests, ensuring ample supplies like toilet paper, and securing medications out of reach of children, according to registered nurse Katie Canio. Hosts should also be vigilant about potential fall hazards created by increased activity in the home. “More people in the home means things aren’t always going to be where they usually are,” Dr. Liu noted.
Travel insurance is recommended, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions. Canio suggests health travel insurance to mitigate potentially high costs associated with out-of-network hospitalizations.
Physical safety is paramount. While canes and walkers provide stability, dr. Liu advises travelers to remain aware of their surroundings. “Just have some safety awareness and situational awareness,” she said. “A cane and walker can be used as a weapon as well.”
