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Safe Travel Tips for Older Adults from Healthinaging.org
Monday, July 9, 2012
NEW YORK –– Before older adults travel this summer, it is important to prepare for expected and unexpected healthcare needs. To enjoy a safe and healthy trip, Healthinaging.org offers the following expert tips and recommendations:
- Talk to your healthcare provider: Discuss your travel plans and any precautions you should take. Your healthcare provider may ask you to come in for a checkup or to get any necessary shots if traveling abroad.
- Keep pills in their original containers: Do this with prescription and over-the-counter medicines and supplements.
- Carry all necessary medications with you: Pack your medications in your carry-on bag to avoid loss or damage.
- Get it in writing: Make a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take, including the dosage and what time you should take these medications. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider to help you create this list and review it for accuracy. The list should include both trade and generic drug names and the amount of each medication you need to take with you on your trip. Make a copy of these lists. Carry one with you, and keep the other in a suitcase or day bag.
For a complete list of safe travel tips for older adults click here.
Jim Pacala, MD, MS, AGSF, President of the American Geriatrics Society, is available to discuss safe travel planning for older adults. To schedule an interview with Dr. Pacala or for more information please contact Jillian Lubarsky at jlubarsky@americangeriatrics.org or 212-308-1414.
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR HEALTH IN AGING
The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA) is a national non-profit organization established in 1999 by The American Geriatrics Society (AGS). The Foundation’s mission is to improve the health of older adults by:
- Providing health information to older adults and those who care for them;
- Advocating on behalf of programs and policies that help older adults to lead healthy, active lives; and
- Supporting research on the diseases and disorders of older adults.