Travel tips for seniors

All travelers should plan carefully to ensure their health and safety while away. However, older people have a few extra concerns.

Pre-trip planning
Suggestions include:
•Consult with your travel agent for suggestions. For example, many tour operators specialize in accommodating the needs of travelling seniors.
•Find out about the medical facilities in the areas you will be visiting.
•Research important factors such as climate, language and culture. Buy a guide book and read it before you go.
•Make arrangements for wheelchairs, guide dogs and seating needs well in advance.
•Organize travel insurance with pre-existing illness coveager if needed.
•If you are concerned about your health, arrange to go on a package tour.
Reciprocal health care agreements
Australia has a reciprocal health care agreement with some countries, which means emergency care is available. Non-emergency health care is only offered if delaying medical attention until returning home is unreasonable. Check with Medicare for an up-to-date list of countries participating in reciprocal health care agreements. Remember that travel health insurance is still needed.

Pre-trip medical check-ups
Suggestions include:
•Consult with your doctor for a complete medical check-up. This is especially important if you have coronary heart disease, hypertension or any other chronic condition, or if you have recently undergone surgery or experienced a heart attack.
•Discuss any particular health concerns you may have, such as dietary changes and the possible impact of different eating habits on your specific condition.
•People with diabetes will need medical advice on how to safely stagger their medications to fit a different time zone.
•Consider having your flu and pneumonia vaccinations before you go on your trip.
•If you intend travelling to areas where infectious diseases are present, make sure you are fully vaccinated.
•Visit your dentist for a check-up.
•Visit any other health care providers you consult with on a regular basis, such as your optometrist.
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