look news india
Traveling with family elders i.e. senior citizens is one of the most beautiful experiences of life. Time spent with them refreshes old memories and strengthens relationships. However, at this stage of age, their body and health needs change. In such a situation, even a small carelessness can spoil the fun of the entire journey. If you too are planning a trip with the elders in your family, then definitely follow these 10 golden rules prepared from the perspective of a ground reporter, so that their journey remains safe, comfortable and happy.
1. Your travel itinerary should be slow and relaxed
Often youngsters like to visit many places in a single day, but such a schedule can prove to be burdensome for the elderly. Prepare a travel plan for them that does not involve any haste at all. Try to visit only 1 or 2 major places in the whole day. Keep the distance between tourist places to a minimum so that they do not have to spend long time in the car. Starting a little late in the morning and returning to the hotel before dusk is best for their health.
2. Pre-travel medical checkup is the first step
Consult your doctor for routine checkup of the elderly at least a week before leaving for the trip. Tell the doctor where you are going, so that he can give appropriate advice according to the weather there. Keep all their essential medicines with them in a little more quantity than for the days of the trip. Apart from this, always keep their medical history, past diseases, allergies and doctor’s prescriptions with you in a file.
3. Choosing the right season and time
It is difficult for the body of the elderly to withstand sudden changes in weather or extreme temperatures. Avoid making them travel in extreme heat, heavy rain or severe cold. Always choose mild and pleasant weather to travel, such as early winter or spring months. In this pleasant weather, they will feel less tired and will be able to fully enjoy the trip without falling ill.
4. Do not make these mistakes in hotel booking
While choosing a place to live, do not just look for luxury, but give priority to the convenience of the elderly. The hotel should be such that it has good facilities of lift and ramp. Asking for a ground floor room is the wisest decision while booking. There should be no fear of slipping in rooms and bathrooms (slip-free flooring) and there should be grab bars installed. Additionally, the hotel location should be such that a hospital or medical store is nearby.
5. Don’t ignore mobility support
If the elder in your house has even a little difficulty in walking or pain in his knees, then without any hesitation keep a wheelchair or walking stick with him. Many historical forts or big temples require a lot of walking, so make arrangements for a wheelchair in advance. Instead of walking continuously, give them a chance to sit comfortably in between and move according to their pace.
6. Correctness in eating habits and coordination with time
While travelling, eating spicy, spicy or oily food outside can upset the stomach of the elderly. Always give them light, fresh and easily digestible food. The most important thing is not to change their meal time, because not getting food on time can increase the problem of sugar or gas. Keep giving them clean and lukewarm water continuously so that hydration remains in the body.
7. Have an emergency medical kit with you at all times.
Always keep a small handbag with you, which contains emergency medicines. This kit must contain packets for fever, body ache, gas, vomiting, diarrhoea, allergy and first-aid items like bandage, antiseptic cream and ORS. Whatever city or tourist spot you are visiting, save the emergency numbers of the nearest and best hospitals in your phone in advance.
8. Security and vigilance in crowded areas
There are often huge crowds at religious places or famous tourist centres. Never leave the elderly alone at such places. At least one member of the family always remained with them like a shadow. Your number should be on speed dial in their mobile and the phone should be fully charged. For security reasons, keeping a slip of paper in your pocket with your name, phone number, and hotel address is a great backup plan.
9. Travel timing and short breaks
Avoid rushing to catch a late night flight or an early morning train, as this prevents them from getting enough sleep and makes them feel tired throughout the day. If you are going by road, stop the car after every two hours of travel and give them a chance to take a walk and stretch. Do not hurry in the journey, decide the pace of the journey only while respecting their age and physical capacity.
10. Mental peace and smile on face
The real purpose of this entire journey is to give happiness to the elderly. Therefore, take utmost care of their mental comfort during the journey. During your conversations, make them feel that this trip has been planned especially for their happiness. Play old songs of their choice, listen to old stories from them and give them complete time. When they remain mentally stress free, this journey will become the most memorable and relaxing journey of their life.
