Over Sixty Spring 2022 Digital

OVERSIXTY.COM.AU | ISSUE 2 | 2022 39 Magnificent Christmas Tree - lights, decorations & ribbons included Lovely lights at night Just pull it up - stands in one quick movement Both store away in a carry bag Small size - perfect for a side table COLLAPSIBLE Decorated Christmas Trees Collapsible Christmas Tree 180 cm CXTRB $149 or $37.25 x 4 mths 96 cm CXTS $49 or $24.50 x 2 mths Scan here to view this products online now www.innovations.com.au 1300 303 303 Even if you’re a seasoned traveller, it’s a good idea to consider your holiday plans carefully as you get older Mastering the art of long haul flights ALISON GODFREY PLAN T ravel has no age limits, but aswe get older, long haul flights are often dreaded. Here are a fewsimple considerations tomake it eas- ier…or at least a bit more comfortable. Plan well The more you plan before your trip, the less you will have to do as you travel. Consider speaking to a senior’s travel agent. They can help find accessible accommodation and advise on the fitness requirements for tours. Consider a cruise instead Cruises are travel made easy. You unpack once and visit multiple destinations. Days at sea allow you to enjoy all the activities and entertainment on board. Cruises are also a great option for multi-generational holidays as everyone can find something they enjoy. Consider a tour Tours are a great option for anyone, but espe- cially for older travellers. The tour company looks after all the organisation – it books the accommodation, the transport and some- times the flights. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the view. Tour guides also get fast tracked into attractions so you won’t have to spend hours waiting in queues. Choose the right airline Pick your airline carefully. Avoid smaller re- gional airlines, as you may have to walk up and down stairs to board the flight. Larger airlines also cater well for seniors. You can book assistance to walk to and from the gate, wheelchairs, or help with getting into your seat. Book a wheelchair when booking your tickets as, despite what an airline says it of- fers, there may not be one available if you haven’t specified one. Keep active during your flight Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious concern for anyone over 50 travelling long distance, particularly those with heart dis- ease or circulatory problems. The risk of DVT increases by sitting still for long peri- ods at a time. Do arm, leg and foot exercises on board, get up and walk the aisles when possible and wear compression stockings to increase blood flow to your lower legs. Wear comfortable, loose clothing and layer up, as the plane cabin can get hot and/or chilly. For extra protection, ensure you have a face mask on throughout the flight, preferably a P2 or KN95 disposable mask which are the most efficient in protecting against Covid. Keep hydrated The low humidity onboard can be dehydrat- ing, so keep drinking little sips of water on board the flight (not big gulps or you’ll be making constant toilet trips). Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they dehydrate you faster. Bring some moisturiser for your hands and face to keep your skin feeling fresh. Get travel insurance We can’t stress this one enough. You can’t predict what will happen as you travel, so be prepared. Check the details of the policy and ensure it covers your health conditions as well as emergencies. Keep medication in your carry-on Make sure you have all the medication you need with you. Do not put it in your check-in bag in case it gets lost. Keep a list of all the medication you are taking with you and to keep a list online or with a family member. Scan your travel documents Keep a copy of your passport and your travel documents, including your travel insurance policy safely online. Scan them in and up- load them just in case you lose them. Carry a copy with you and leave another copy with a family member or friend at home. Schedule in rest days Slow down. Enjoy your time. There’s no need to rush. A schedule that is too packed will add to your fatigue. Embrace the ethos of ‘slow travel’ – sit andwatch the world go by in a completely foreign place. You’ll never know who you’ll meet to strike up a conversation. A bit of extra planning will ensure long-haul travel isn’t a pain in the neck – literally! Photo: Getty Images PLAN