You are never too old to travel -- just take care
Golden oldies: Elderly people are opting to travel to exotic locations
Growing numbers of older Irish people are off on a 'ski' -- and there is no snow involved.
Ski stands for 'spending the kids' inheritance' and can see the elderly heading for exotic holiday destinations.
Dr Graham Fry, a lecturer in tropical medicine at Trinity College Dublin, says there are very few medical conditions which totally exclude an older person going on a particular trip.
However, mistakes occur when people whose medical conditions, such as heart disease and asthma, are controlled in our own temperate weather find themselves in more challenging climates.
"People may not realise how dusty certain cities are (New Delhi, Bangkok, Lima and Manila)," said Fry.
In an article in the Irish Medical News, he said that the elderly need to bear in mind how high-altitude regions affect breathing -- destinations like Quito, Nairobi or La Paz.
He added that another challenge is extreme humidity for those who have very high blood pressure.
Good travel advice includes:
> Put all medication in original bottles for airport checks. Have a letter from your doctor.
> Don't put medication in checked-in luggage. The suitcase may get lost.
> Carry sufficient supplies for the trip.
> Explain any underlying medical condition to the tour operator before going.
Vaccines to prevent diseases are generally the same for older people as other age groups. But they are more likely to suffer side-effects from the yellow fever vaccine. Around one in 50,000 may be affected.
Fry advises people to have health insurance to cover reasonable accidents. Don't forget a spare pair of glasses, hearing aids or batteries.
"This group is more prone to DVT (deep vein thrombosis) so it is advised they get up and walk around and wear special flight socks," he said.
"One is usually never too old to travel, providing common sense comes into the final decision."
Doctors need to ensure all risks and complications are explained to their patients.
A useful leaflet for the older traveller is available at www.tmb.ie.
- Elish O'Regan
