Fearless Travel: Preparation, Common Sense Help Seniors Travel Safely

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Gone are the days when senior citizens sat by the phone waiting anxiously for children and grandchildren to call. Today, seniors are starting businesses, climbing mountains, getting degrees, and embracing life in unprecedented numbers. Seniors are living longer and enjoying the fruits of an active lifestyle like never before. According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults who took part in personally enriching activities, such as playing games, working at a job, or gardening lived longer than those who were not active. Travel was found to be a particularly enriching pursuit, one that engages seniors socially, intellectually and emotionally.

Concerns over international terrorism and attacks throughout Europe in recent years have discouraged some elderly Americans from traveling abroad, yet seniors continue to enjoy travel in large numbers both domestically and internationally. Those who do are taking more care to travel safely and be mindful of potential snags. Security is a concern, but rather than give up on a lifelong dream of traveling after retirement, seniors can travel safely by following some proven-effective safety tips.

Be prepared

Coordination and preparation are the indispensable building blocks of a great travel experience. Planning well ahead of time helps prepare you for some of the pitfalls of travel, such as large tourist crowds and visiting when major attractions are closed. It also gives you time to put together a safe and smart itinerary. As soon as you know your destination, check flights, train schedules, boat excursion dates or plans for road construction, depending on your mode of travel. This will also help you take full advantage of senior discounts, identify any special services that’ll be needed (such as wheelchairs or concierge assistance), and give you plenty of time to make adequate safety preparations.

Common sense security

Aside from your personal safety, your chief security concern while traveling should be your money. Robbery happens everywhere, but it’s especially prevalent in large urban centers. If you’re planning to visit New York, London, Tokyo, Rome or any large city, use common sense when securing your money and valuables.

Purses and wallets are easy targets. Instead, use a neck pouch or passage wallet, which offers a slim design and multiple pockets for credit cards, passports, money and more. Better yet, they can be carried, safely out of sight, under your garment on a cord hung around your neck. If you’re flying, make sure carry on luggage remains under your seat or between your feet when waiting for ground transportation.

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Searches and security checkpoints

This is something you can include in your pre-trip preparations. Plan ahead for any safety checkpoints that may be troublesome for a senior traveling with a wheelchair, or for border crossing searches if you’re driving. The Transportation Security Administration has more relaxed, passenger-friendly requirements for people age 75 and over, such as permission to leave shoes and a light jacket on during screening, and those who can’t stand can be screened in some other manner. For senior citizens under age 75, be sure to prepare in advance for any special arrangements that need to be made during boarding.

From 2002 to 2011, there was a 21 percent increase in the number of drivers age 65 and older. If you’re planning on driving to your vacation destination, plan ahead by getting a full tune-up including a check of your tires and brakes. Make sure you have emergency equipment such as jumper cables and a first aid kit. And plan on making frequent stops to stretch and get some fresh air before resuming.

Safe and secure

Many travelers set off for an eagerly anticipated vacation but forget to secure their homes. Include a safety check for your home while you’re planning your trip so you don’t leave anything to chance. Make sure all doors and windows are locked (including the garage door) and ask a neighbor to keep an eye on things while you’re gone. Consider having a security system installed, or use a smartphone app to keep an eye on things.

Research shows that seniors benefit considerably from travel, an activity that engages both mind and body. With some careful planning and a watchful attitude, you can ensure your trip will be one you’ll always remember fondly.

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