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Coping With Symptoms Of Ageing On Family Holidays
April 17, 2023
Travelling during old age can bring unique challenges, from staying active to security concerns while away from your familiar environment.
But for older travellers who enjoy quality time with children, grandchildren, and extended family – travelling can still be one of the greatest experiences!
Here are tips and advice to ensure adventures remain safe and enjoyable in retirement years too!
As we age, physical and mental symptoms of ageing can create obstacles that make travelling more challenging.
Physically, our bodies experience a decline in strength, endurance, and balance, making navigating unfamiliar terrain or carrying heavy luggage more challenging.
Mentally, memory and cognitive function may become impaired over time, making navigating complex transportation systems or adapting to unfamiliar environments more challenging.
We may also experience sight and hearing loss, but this shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your vacation! In addition, conditions like arthritis and diabetes become more prevalent, necessitating special accommodations while travelling.
But this should encourage older adults to experience what travel has to offer! With proper planning and accommodations, they can continue to experience all that travel offers.
Planning a trip can be exciting, whether that means discovering a new city, hiking a mountain trail, or spending hours at an amusement park.
Being physically prepared means including regular exercise in your routine before departing.
One way of doing that would be adding walking into your routine.
Simple activities such as walking, cycling, or swimming can increase both endurance and overall fitness level, making it easier for you to manage all that lies ahead on your agenda. If necessary, investing in contact lenses and water proof hearing aids may assist with enjoying activities such as sightseeing and swimming with the family.
Travel can be both exciting and exhausting.
To minimize both stress and fatigue during a journey, planning is key.
Make sure your itinerary allows time for restful naps when necessary – listen to your body when taking breaks when fatigue sets in, or you start feeling overwhelmed – plus drinking plenty of water throughout the day will keep you alert and refreshed so that you can fully experience all that life has in store!
As we age, our bodies require additional rest. To ensure you get enough rest and relaxation on vacation, incorporate power napping, if necessary, into your plans and set aside downtime each day for yourself – this will keep your energy levels up so that you can fully appreciate every moment with family and friends. Furthermore, create a consistent bedtime routine so your body can rest well each night.
Vacation is meant to be enjoyed, not overexerted!
Refrain from participating in activities or outings if they leave you feeling tired, overwhelmed, or just not up for them; take time for yourself if that is what’s necessary, and say no if that helps ensure a stress-free trip experience!
By saying no and setting yourself first, it can ensure you don’t overextend yourself and can get the rest and relaxation needed to truly appreciate the experience!
Age can sometimes present additional obstacles when travelling, but that doesn’t have to mean fewer travel opportunities for you.
By taking the time and care necessary to prepare and plan, as well as being aware of physical and psychological symptoms associated with ageing, travellers of any age can ensure their journey remains memorable and enjoyable.
Preparing to leave home requires senior individuals to stay independent. With these strategies in mind, family getaways will surely become memorable experiences!
More Reading
Editing by AskAwayHealth Team
Disclaimer
All AskAwayHealth articles are written by practising Medical Practitioners on various healthcare conditions to promote quality healthcare.
The advice in our material is not meant to replace a qualified healthcare practitioner’s management of your specific condition.
Don’t hesitate to contact a health practitioner to discuss your condition or reach us directly here.
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