Advice for the Mature Traveller
Once the kids have left home or you have taken retirement,
there may be increased opportunity for visiting new countries and
discovering new cultures. With a little planning, your travel should
be as safe as it is enjoyable.
Vaccinations
Consult your doctor or TravelHealth Advisor several
weeks before you leave. It is important to discuss every aspect
of your trip, such as where you are going, for how long and how
you plan to travel. Vaccinations may be required to help prevent
infections during your holiday. In addition to routine holiday vaccinations,
you might need to have a flu vaccination, especially if you are
going on a cruise. Your doctor will be able to order flu vaccine
at any time of the year.
Medications
Make sure that your GP or TravelHealth Practitioner
is aware of any medication you take before they prescribe vaccinations
for your trip. Reactions may cause reduced effectiveness or even
serious side effects. If you visit an independent Travel Clinic
for malaria tablets, remember that they will not have a copy of
your existing medical history, so take along with you a list of
your medication.
If you regularly take medication, make sure you
take enough to last you until after you return from your trip --
and be prepared for any delays. Also write down all medication you
take and keep this information on your person in case of emergency.
Malaria tablets may be required for some destinations.
Consult your General Practitioner especially if you are already
on regular medication.
Always carry your medication in your hand luggage,
and ask your GP to write a letter explaining the nature of your
medication. If you are travelling to Asia, check with the embassy
of the country you are visiting for regulations on bringing medication
into the country.
Special Arrangements
If you have a pre-existing illness or disability,
you may need to make special arrangements for travel or accommodation.
Contact your tour operator and hotel to discuss your requirements
and make sure that they have the facilities you need to travel in
comfort.
If you need to keep medications cool, ask your travel
agent for a room with a fridge. Make provision to keep your medication
cool during the journey. It is important that you follow the instructions
you received with your medication, as temperature may affect how
well the medicine works.
If your medication requires to be taken at regular
intervals, it may be worth getting some specific advice. Unusual
increase in regular activity can change the rate at which some medications
are absorbed. It is also important to allow for delays and different
time zones when calculating your schedule. Your practice nurse can
assist you with this.
Insurance
Check that the insurance offered by your travel
company covers your requirements -- you may need to take out additional
insurance if the cover is not sufficient. Be thorough when completing
the forms, as failure to declare a health problem may invalidate
your insurance.
If you are travelling in Europe, be sure to complete
form EHIC, available from your post office. This will need to be
validated by your post office before you leave.
Arriving at your Destination
Make yourself familiar with the medical facilities
of your chosen destination. Make sure you know the emergency numbers
for your locality and know where to get help if you get into trouble.
Safety rules for food and drink are very important
-- ensure that you are aware of the precautions you need to take
to eat and drink safely.
Ensure that you drink adequate amounts of non-alcoholic
fluid to prevent dehydration.
Insect bites and minor cuts and grazes may take
longer to heal in a hot climate. Take a small first aid kit to ensure
you can keep a wound clean and dry whilst away. Seek medical advice
if you are concerned.
Diarrhoea is a problem for many travellers.
This is of particular concern for the mature traveller, and you
may need specialist advice. Discuss what action you should take
in the event of the onset of diarrhoea with your Doctor or TravelHealth
Advisor.
Returning Home
It may be appropriate to have a health check with
your Doctor or Practice Nurse. This becomes important if you have
been ill whilst on holiday -- repeat or additional medications might
be needed to treat illness acquired abroad.
It is also important to take it easy and rest after
your trip. Travelling can be stressful and you may require time
to readjust to being home.
Useful Contact Addresses
Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation.
12 City Forum, 250 City Rd, London EC1V 8AF.
Tel: 020 7250 3222.
Provide leaflets and booklets specifically for those
with a disability. They also produce travel guides for the UK and
beyond. A telephone help line is also available to address individual
travel questions.
Diabetes UK
110 Queen Ann St, London W1M 0BD.
Tel: 020 7323 1531.
Provide leaflets and booklets that may be of value
to the diabetic traveller. A telephone help line gives individual
advice to anyone with questions regarding travel and their diabetic
care.
Age Concern
Freepost, Ashburton, Devon TQ13 7ZZ.
Tel: 0800 00 99 66.
Produce leaflets covering many areas of interest
to travellers over 50, those more specific to travel are fact sheet
4 and fact sheet 26. The fact sheets are free and comprehensive.
A telephone help line is also available.
Age Concern Travel Insurance
Telephone: 0845 601 2234
Age Concern provides travel insurance cover without
any age limitations. They are also able to provide cover for travellers
with pre-existing conditions
British Heart Foundation
14 Fitzharding St, London, W1H 4DH.
Tel: 020 7935 0185.
Produce a fact sheet that addresses air travel following
heart attack or surgery. A telephone help line is also available.
