I hate traveling by air these days, but if you want to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible, it is often the only option. Some seniors have given up on air travel but if you willing to put up with being scrunched into a small seat for an indefinite length of time, you should go. Try not to be daunted. A smile and positive attitude, as well as tips from seasoned travelers, will help you tackle most of the “inconveniences”.
If you have encountered long delays, planes that don’t leave the tarmac, long distances between airport gates, heavy penalties when you have to cancel a flight, lost or delayed luggage, cramped seats with little leg room and no food service, you are not alone. What seemed like minor inconveniences when you were younger are more than a little exhausting now. Seniors who walk a little more slowly, can’t manage long distances, need medication or oxygen, or have trouble sitting for a long periods of time, might feel they are entering the twilight zone.
Camille Noe Pagan (Arthritis Today: July/August 2011) writes about some of the common problems. Her discussion ranges from how to get through security to how to how to alleviate stiffness from sitting still too long.
- Medications: If you have medications that require refrigeration, the author recommends using a small cooler or a plastic bag with a freezer pack. Bring a note from your doctor answering questions that will satisfy airport security requirements. Transport pills in original bottles and keep all medications with you, not in your checked baggage.
- Getting around easier: If you are prone to falls or tire easily, request a wheelchair or take advantage of motorized cars from a skycap. Don’t try to tote your own bags. It is worth the extra expense to pay for checked baggage. Use a cane to take pressure from your feet, ankles, knees and hip if you will be doing a lot of walking.
- DVT: Deep vein thrombosis is a serious risk for long distance passengers. Seniors are particularly vulnerable. You should be getting up from your seat and moving around every hour or so. Movement and exercise will help decrease the risk of a DVT and will prevent your joints from stiffening up too badly. If you can’t get up and about, she recommends some in-seat stretches such as pointing and flexing your toes. Drink plenty of fluids.
If you have joint implants, knee or hip replacements or anything else that might set of an alarm, you will want to be carrying a medal certificate from your doctor.
Rhoda Amon (Newsday Journal-Gazette: Ft. Wayne, Ind. November 27, 2005 recommends trying to book non-stop flights to cut down on some of the problems associated with connecting flights and long layovers. She also recommends bringing your own food and just being prepared for anything. Attitude is everything.
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