Senior Beat
Carol Higgins Taylor
Eastern Area Agency on Aging
The allure of the open road gets stronger as the temperature rises. There is nothing like sunshine bouncing off pavement as we head toward a summer adventure. Traveling is a tradition in Maine, and everybody knows somebody who heads to camp after Memorial Day or the Fourth of July. For some people, summer fun lies behind the wheel. They grab a bag and hit the highway.
While travel is an enjoyable experience for many seniors, nothing can ruin the fun like a medical emergency.
Emergency department doctors see seniors who are away from home and in need of medical care because of falls, medication interactions or missed medications due to a change in routine or a lapse in memory.
Some travel-related emergencies might be avoidable. Here are some tips to think about as you plan your next trip.
• Make sure all of your medication prescriptions are filled and that you have enough to cover the length of your stay, as well as enough for a few days after you return home.
• Keep essential medications and medical equipment with you, rather than in your checked luggage, if traveling by plane or bus.
• Wear a bracelet or necklace that identifies any special medical conditions, and carry this information in your wallet or purse. If you don’t have a File of Life, get one and take it with you.
• Program an emergency contact number into your cell phone putting “I.C.E.” in front of the contact’s name because medical providers are increasingly aware that the letters stand for “In Case of Emergency.”
• If possible take an extra pair of eyeglasses, especially if you need them to drive or read. Take a copy of the prescription, too. It is unlikely that you will need to have new glasses made but better to be prepared.
• Pace yourself when planning activities. It is normal to want to do everything, but be careful and listen to your body.
• Leave friends and family a copy of your travel itinerary.
• Identify emergency medical facilities in the areas where you will be traveling.
• Don’t stop taking your medications as prescribed, even if your daily routine is different. A time change can make medications tricky so talk with your healthcare provider about how to adjust your scheduled doses.
• Walk around and stretch your legs every 20 minutes or so when seated for long periods. This encourages blood circulation, and helps prevent blood clots.
• Stay hydrated by drinking more water. Seniors are at high risk for dehydration. If plain water is difficult for you to choke down try seltzer water. It’s delicious as there are wonderful flavors and some fizz to make it exciting. (My favorite is strawberry.)
• If you’re diabetic, monitor blood sugar carefully and follow dietary restrictions.
• Eat regular, well-balanced meals and avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar content.
• Inform your tour guide about any chronic medical conditions.
And you should never leave home without a fully stocked first-aid kit in the car. Important items to include are acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin tablets, antihistamine, anti-nausea-motion sickness medication, bandages of assorted sizes, bandage closures, safety pins, triangle bandage, elastic wraps, gauze and adhesive tape, sharp scissors with rounded tips, antiseptic swipes, antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide and disposable, instant-activating cold packs.
It is also a good idea to take a CPR course if possible before your trip. You never know when you might need it. By the way, don’t forget to have fun.
Carol Higgins Taylor is director of community education at Eastern Area Agency on Aging. For information, call 941-2865, toll-free 800-432-7812 or go to EAAA.org.