Now that winter are setting in and holiday season is just round the corner, we, including our senior citizens are planning to travel on vacations.
Travelling including pilgrimage is a very good means to rejuvenate and revitalize ourselves.
But, vacationing and pilgrimages by our senior citizens entails it's own problems and apprehensions, by seniors and also their care givers or family members.
Few important points I suggest all my seniors going on holidays or pilgrimage.
1. Carry adequate stock of regular medicines to cover the duration of travel and a few days more.
2. Don't forget to carry the latest prescription of your Geriatrician / Physician.
3. Remember to carry identity proof like aadhaar card or pancard or driving license etc.
4. Don't rush the itinerary. Travel at a slow pace so that you get enough time to rest and recuperate.
5. If there is history of altitude sickness, motion sickness or are seasick, do inform the travel agent or travel manager about the same.
Do carry medicines for sea-sickness, motion sickness.
6. If asthmatic, remember to carry inhalers and other medications. Avoid high altitude travel without proper acclimatization. Give enough time for the body to adjust.
7. Carry enough cash and debit / credit card. Many places don't accept cards or UPI payment.
8. Keep yourself well hydrated. Drink enough water/fluids (unless advised against it by doctor). Don't forget to carry your own water bottle.
9. Remember to take proper and timely meals as dictated by your medical condition. Don't skip meals. Keep some snacks handy for emergencies and delay in meals.
10. If on insulin, remember to carry enough stock of insulin and syringes, etc. If using insulin pens, do carry extra cartridges. Keep running stock handy in your hand bag / purse. Extra cartridges/ vials can be put in cargo baggage.
11. Remember to carry proper clothing as per season and prevailing weather in the area of travel. An umbrella and a sweater is never a burden.
12. Prefers to travel in groups so that there is always someone to take care in an emergency. Also travelling in a group is more fun.
13. Keep your mobile charged and plan topped up to cover the travel duration. Add an additional top-up data plan is always a saviour.
14. Always keep in touch with your family by WhatsApp or SMS or video call or messaging apps.
Sharing your live location via Google maps or Facebook or Snapchat or other such apps with your family is advisable.
15. Lastly, I always suggest having an adequate medicalim insurance. Especially if travelling out of India.
In short,
A. Plan well and in advance.
B. Don't rush.
C. Carry your medicines and prescriptions.
D. Keep yourself well hydrated and well fed.
E. Keep in touch with family.
F. Carry enough cash and cards.
G. Lastly enjoy your travel.
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