Whether traveling overseas or closer to home, (seasoned) senior travelers can face unique challenges and needs from a health and wellness stand point. Today, researchers estimate that 25 percent of people ages 65 to 69 take at least five prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions. That figure jumps to nearly 46 percent for those between 70 and 79.
Keeping up with health needs and accessing care are just some of the concerns seniors need to consider when planning their travels. Aon Affinity Travel Practice offers this advice for a healthy journey.
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Check up on vaccinations.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your overall health status and any precautions you should take. Make sure boosters are up-to-date and find out if your destination requires certain vaccinations before you go. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a traveler health website to learn what measures travelers may need to take before departure.
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Document all medications and health-related concerns.
Make a cheat sheet of all prescriptions and other medicines or vitamins you take to make sure you pack everything you need. Also have documentation of any current medical problems and treatments you are undergoing. Bring all of this paperwork with you to make it easier to get through customs as well as to have handy for another healthcare provider in case of an emergency.
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Assess when you should take your medications
If you take certain medications at a certain time of day, crossing time zones can impact your usual schedule. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should take medication at your usual home-time zone time, or switch to your destination time zone. Also ask if changes in diet (like exotic cuisines) could interact with your medications. And be sure to keep all medicine and supplements in their original containers to ensure they’ll be with you when you need them.
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Check your medical insurance needs
Like most standard health insurance plans, Medicare coverage doesn’t travel overseas. While no one wants to get sick or have an accident on vacation, it happens. Whether that issue is one resolved with a quick trip to the doctor or something more serious requiring emergency medical evacuation (which can cost upwards of$50,000), senior travelers need to understand the limitations of their medical insurance while traveling and obtain the proper supplementary coverage.
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Understand the risks of pre-existing conditions
The older you are, the more likely you are to have a pre-existing medical condition. Understand the travel insurance plan made available to you; some plans offer a pre-existing waiver if you purchase within a given timeframe. Also, many pre-existing conditions can be covered, if the condition is stable. Ask the plan administrator about the details of your specific plan. Some benefits of many plans are not subject to pre-existing condition exclusions, such as if an emergency evacuation was required.
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Protect yourself from deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)
DVT happens when blood clots form in the veins, often in the legs, and block blood flow. Older adults run a higher-than-average risk of DVT and this risk is elevated by sitting still for a long time on an airplane or train. Ask your physician if compression stockings are appropriate for you to help prevent this dangerous condition.