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Self-help
Tips for the Elderly |
Traveling
Tips for Elders
Traveling
is a pleasant experience for everyone including elders. Good preparation
and careful planning help to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
Preparation
| 1 |
Plan
your journey early. Select a comfortable and relaxing schedule. |
| 2 |
Collect
information on local weather and pack suitable clothing, shoes and
other personal belongings. |
| 3 |
Purchase
travel insurance beforehand especially for long distance trips. |
| 4 |
Enquire
on the possibilities of epidemic and infectious diseases in the destination.
Arrange for vaccination if required. Consult Port Health Travel Health
Centre for detail information. |
| 5 |
For
elders with chronic diseases, seek medical advice for fitness to travel
before departure. Make sure there is enough medication to cover the
whole journey. Drugs should be easily accessible at all times. Keep
your partners and tour guide informed about your medical condition.
It might be helpful to bring along a reference letter from the family
doctor as well in case of emergency. Common drugs such as those for
treatment of diarrhea, motion sickness and fever are always useful. |
| 6 |
Avoid
traveling alone if possible. Let your friends and family know about
your traveling plan before leaving home. |
| 7 |
Travel
health information is available from the Hong Kong Travelers' Health
Service website. |
During
traveling
| 1 |
Do
not wear tight clothing when traveling for long distance either on
coach or aeroplane as this may impair blood circulation. If needed,
elderly can bring along a neck pillow for extra comfort and support
to the head and neck. It is advisable to maintain proper posture,
and avoid crossing legs for long periods of time. Place the feet on
the floor while seated. Drink plenty of water and perform stretching
exercise intermittently to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis
and joint stiffness. |
| 2 |
While
on plane, you may experience pain and discomfort in the ear because
of pressure changes. Try swallowing to keep the Eustachian tube open
to relieve the discomfort. |
| 3 |
Air
conditioning lowers the humidity and temperature in the cabin. Drink
plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Bring along moisturizer and
extra clothing when flying on a plane. |
| 4 |
For
elders with chronic diseases, remember to take regular medications
while traveling on the plane. |
Upon arrival
| 1 |
Jet
lag occurs when the body's natural rhythm and sleep-wake cycle are
disturbed. Symptoms of jet lag include difficulties in sleeping,
tiredness, mood disturbances and gastrointestinal upset etc.
Management:
- Travelers
should rest fully before traveling, drink plenty of fluids, avoid
alcoholic beverages and coffee while on the flight.
- Avoid tight schedule especially for the first few days; allow
the body to get used to the climate and time difference gradually.
- Adequate exposure to sunlight helps to reduce symptoms of jet
lag.
- If the trip lasts for less than 3 days, keep to Hong Kong time
for rest and activities.
- If the trip lasts for more than 3 days, travelers should follow
the local time for sleep and meals.
- Melatonin is a hormone that has been widely publicized to alleviate
jet lag. However, there are uncertainties about its safety, and
inappropriate timing of dosages may worsen jet lag. Consult a doctor
for further information and avoid self medication.
|
| 2 |
While
staying in a hotel, elders should try to remember the location of
emergency exit and local emergency telephone number. Bring along the
address and telephone number of the hotel when you leave your lodging
each time. Avoid going out on your own especially if there is language
barrier and you are not familiar with the surroundings. |
| 3 |
Well
balanced diet is recommended at all times. Follow the basic principle
such as avoid fatty and high cholesterol food. Take plenty of water
and take more high fiber food such as vegetables and fruits to prevent
constipation. |
| 4 |
Pay
attention to personal and food hygiene which include:
-
Always wash the hands before eating
- Do not purchase from stalls with poor hygiene
- Drink from cans or bottles only. Boiled water is preferred.
- Do not add ice to drinks or drink any fresh fruit juice prepared
beforehand.
- Avoid cold dishes and uncooked food such as salad and cooked meat.
-Make sure that food such as meat, fish and seafood are thoroughly
cooked before consumption.
|
| 5 |
Evaluate
your own health status and ability first before involving in vigorous
exercise and high risk activities. |
| 6 |
Make
sure you have adequate sleep and rest during the journey. |
| 7 |
Avoid
casual sex with strangers and prostitutes. |
| 8 |
Practice
safe sex and take appropriate preventive measures by using condoms
to reduce risk of infection by sexually transmitted disease and AIDS. |
For Diabetics
| 1 |
Consult
the doctor first to ensure that your health condition is stable and
medically fit for traveling. |
| 2 |
Pay
special attention to changes in food intake which may alter the blood
sugar level. |
| 3 |
Bring
along snacks and candies in case of hypoglycemic attacks. Avoid bingeing. |
| 4 |
Bring
the medical alert card or bracelet when traveling. |
| 5 |
Monitor
blood sugar level using urine strips or glucose meter. |
| 6 |
Order
special diabetic meal beforehand with the airliners. |
Return Home
If you develop
symptoms like fever, diarrhea, vomiting or skin rash after returning home,
seek medical advice as soon as possible and let the doctor know which
countries you have visited.
Other information
| 1 |
Port
Health Travel Health centre
The Hong Kong Travelers' Health Services provides a "one-stop"
preventive and promotion service to travelers. Their services include
consultation to travelers by appointment for individual health risk
assessment, advice on immunization against travel-related disease
and prescribing medications for common travel illness. Updated travel
health information can be obtained in their website.
Hong Kong
Travelers' Health Service
www.info.gov.hk/trhealth
|
| 2 |
Hong
Kong Observatory
For Hong
Kong and world weather reports and information
Hong Kong Observatory
www.weather.gov.hk
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