Senior Safety Reviews Blog shared their post Get Set, Go! Travel Safety Tips for Baby Boomers and it offers some thoughtful advice. I'd like to piggy-back on it and add my own safety suggestions for those who are trying to be active while struggling with functional limitation due to a recent surgery, illness or ongoing challenges caused by chronic conditions.
So, get set and go with these additions to their tips!
2, 3 and 6: Bring and drink plenty of water. Taking medications along with the heat and/or physical exertion of travel can mean that you get dehydrated more quickly and easily. Feeling fatigued or light headed is a warning that you need to stop and drink some water. But, don't wait. Just keep a bottle or glass nearby.
Also having a portable diffuser on-hand will help with personal cooling and humidifying the air in hot dry environments.
8: Know where to get help, and be prepared to call for help if you plan to strike out on your own for a bit of solitude. A personal alarm can help you call out to others nearby if you happen to fall on the uneven ground of the outdoors..
9 and 11: Travel light, but also bring things that will support your functional and safety needs. Lightweight and compact walkers or a portable bedrail will keep you safe so you can more fully enjoy your travels and not have to cut it short due to a nasty fall. Tools to help with getting in and out of a vehicle will also minimize the amount of time one feels the need to stay in the car, because they just don't have the energy to get out at every stop. An door striker handle or the Car Caddy aid individuals as they get in and out of a car or a truck/van. The Handy Handle also aids caregivers assisting those needing to stand from a bench or other sitting position. And, travel size bath/shower bars are easy to take with you.
There are a few other items that are lightweight and will simply add convenience and comfort to your travels. First, small silicone containers are much easier to squeeze than those hard hotel shampoo and conditioner bottles.
Second, even though we are talking about summer, it can get a bit cool near the ocean, in the mountains or air conditioned buildings. If you struggle with hand pain due to arthritis or neuropathy, soft and lightweight gloves will keep them warm and those infused with aloe will also help soften dry hands.
For those who love to hike and camp, but have a hard time sitting down in, and standing up from low travel chairs, consider one with telescoping legs.
Last, but not least, a small container of high quality CBD can be tucked into a pocket, purse or backpack for relief while on the go.
So, get out there and enjoy the summer and life! Stay active and exercise your body and mind even with the challenges you face.
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