Traveling in Retirement with Chronic Conditions
One of the main things a lot of people want to do when they retire is travel. After spending most of your adult life working all week and perhaps not having enough vacation time to travel everywhere you’d like to go, retirement opens up a whole new world of adventures.
However, while retirement does give you more time to travel, you’re also older. That doesn’t mean you can’t see the world, but it may mean that you need to take some health considerations into account. After all, you’re not in your 20s anymore. Like it or not, once you reach retirement age, there are possible health issues to consider.
That said, you shouldn’t let these medical issues or chronic conditions keep you from enjoying yourself. By planning for how to manage your condition and all the logistics around it, you’ll still be able to have a great time.
Before you Travel
Preparing before you travel is incredibly important. It’s always important for anyone who is booking a trip, but it’s especially important if you have chronic health conditions.
The first step is to talk to your healthcare provider. Tell them the sort of trip that you’re planning and ask them for their advice. They’ll let you know if you’re healthy enough to do what you’re interested in and potentially provide some alternatives if they have concerns.
They can also assist you in planning for medication management. This is one of the biggest concerns for a lot of people who have chronic health conditions. Organize all your medications and make sure you have a list of what you take and when you take it. Carry this with you so you’ll always have it no matter what happens. If you’re going on a longer trip, make sure you have enough medication. Refill your prescriptions a few days before you leave. If you need to get more medication than you usually do to cover you on your trip, your doctor should be able to help you with this.
If you’re traveling internationally, know that different countries may have different rules about medications. Know where you’re allowed and not allowed to bring certain medicine and always have your prescription or a statement from your doctor with you.
Make sure you have appropriate insurance and medical coverage as well. Depending on where you travel, you will likely need additional health insurance. You don’t want to end up needing medical care and be unable to get it because you’re in a different country.
If you have medical devices that you need to take with you (anything from a CPAP machine to a mobility device), check with the airline, cruise line, or train you’ll be taking as well as any hotels you are staying in. Almost everyone will be very accommodating but giving them advance notice helps. Plus, they can give you advice about how to best travel safely.
People who use devices that need batteries or chargers (such as hearing aids) should make sure to bring enough with them for the entire trip. Extra batteries or an additional charger in your carry-on can be a huge help.
Speaking of carry-on luggage, this is where medication and any other vital devices should go. Checked luggage can get lost and, even if it’s eventually found, that could take time. Pack all medications in their original bottles and include copies of your prescriptions to make it easier to pass through security.
While You’re Traveling
Plan your travel with some flexibility. This way, if you’re not feeling up to something or your energy levels aren’t where you need them to be, you can take a break and pick up where you left off later. For instance, if you’re going to a trip for two weeks, leave some time at the beginning and the end of your trip where you have nothing planned. That will allow you to have some recovery time and make it possible for you to move things around without stress.
Know where the nearest pharmacies and medical facilities are when you travel. In case you need medication or medical help, it’s a good idea to understand where you need to go and what you need to do before you require help.
Much like with airlines, cruise lines, and railways, many hotels and tourist attractions will be very accommodating about special mobility needs. The sooner you let them know, the sooner they’ll be able to assist.
Another factor to consider is what you’re bringing with you. Lifting heavy bags or lugging around bulky suitcases can be tough for anyone, especially a retiree with a chronic health condition. Think about whether you need to bring heavy bags and only pack what’s necessary. If your bags are too heavy or difficult for you to safely carry, get help. Airlines, hotels, and most other places will assist you with your bags if you ask.
Carry your emergency information with you. Write or print out a card that has your name, a summary of your medical conditions, your doctor’s contact information, your prescriptions, your insurance details, and emergency contacts. You probably have this information in your phone, but keeping a printed copy on you at all times is helpful as well. If your phone dies, you’ll still need to access this information.
Take care of yourself while you travel. If you’re feeling tired, unwell, or otherwise less than optimal, take a break. Make sure you eat well enough, drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep. You can still have a great time without pushing yourself too much.
Try not to schedule too much for the days before your trip and the two or three days after you return. Take this time to rest, care for yourself, and recover. This can help you feel your best while you travel, and you’ll enjoy the whole trip more if you’re rested.
More Than Travel
You don’t just need to manage your health conditions when you travel. It’s important to take them into account when you’re living an overall active lifestyle as well. Being active in your retirement years is so important. Not only is it good for your body to stay active, but it’s good for your mind as well.
It can obviously be tough to stay active if you’re in pain, suffer from reduced range of motion, or have other mobility issues. Talking to your doctor can help. They can give you the info you need to safely modify your behavior so you can still be active. For instance, if you have problems with your knees, a medical professional can give you guidance on how to manage the pain and range of motion issues so you’re still able to be active. They may also help you find the right mobility devices that will make it easier for you to get around.
By taking the time to plan for how you will get around with your condition, how you will maintain your own care (such as accessing and taking required medications), and figuring out what you’re going to do if you feel unwell or need medical assistance, you can still travel and maintain an active lifestyle even if you’re dealing with chronic health conditions.
