In the golden autumn season, with the clear sky and refreshing weather, it is a great time for seniors to go out for travel. However, due to physiological decline, aging organs, weakened functions, poor adaptability, and decreased resistance, older adults need to pay special attention to self-care when going out for autumn outings in order to fully enjoy the trip and promote physical and mental health.
Choose a travel destination
When older adults go out for travel, it is best to choose cities or scenic areas with beautiful environment, clean air, and low tourist flow as travel destinations. Long-distance car or boat trips are generally not recommended. It is better to choose nearby or short-distance trips. In case of accidents, it is easier to return for treatment or notify relatives and friends for assistance.
During the trip, it is advisable to avoid dangerous areas in the scenic spots and refrain from participating in strenuous activities such as climbing, boating, drifting, and swimming. It is also important to balance work and rest, maintain sufficient physical strength, and ensure a healthy body and mind throughout the journey.
Plan the itinerary scientifically
Reasonably arrange daily activities based on personal conditions, ensuring that they are within one's capabilities and allowing for relaxation. The beautiful scenery and pleasant weather often make older adults want to keep on exploring without rest, which can easily lead to excessive fatigue. If symptoms such as fatigue, sweating, dizziness, blurred vision, or palpitations occur, it is important to take a rest on the spot and not force oneself to continue. Older adults with cardiovascular diseases in particular need to strengthen self-monitoring.
Replenish energy during the trip
When older adults go out for travel, it is best to keep things simple but not too complicated. However, outdoor activities, especially walking, consume a relatively large amount of energy. Therefore, it is necessary to bring snacks with sufficient calories, such as chocolate and peeled peanuts, to replenish energy in a timely manner and enjoy the trip to the fullest. Remember to bring water as well, especially when sweating a lot, to replenish fluids in a timely manner. However, it is not necessary to bring too much water (it should be based on the itinerary), so as to quench thirst without burdening the journey.
Pay attention to food hygiene
Improper diet during travel can easily lead to diarrhea or food poisoning. This is mostly caused by changes in eating habits, unaccustomed water and soil, physical exertion, or consumption of unclean food. Older adults should consume a light and balanced diet during the trip, with a focus on vegetables and fruits to prevent constipation. It is advisable to dine at local restaurants and bring your own utensils and cups for convenience and hygiene. When it comes to local snacks or specialty foods, it is best to taste in moderation and avoid overeating. Avoid consuming unclean and raw foods, as well as unknown wild fruits and fungi, to prevent illness and food poisoning.
Pay attention to cold protection and keep warm
During autumn, there is a significant temperature difference between day and night, and the climate is dry. Older adults, due to poor adaptability, are prone to respiratory infections if not careful. Therefore, before going on an autumn trip, it is important to prepare clothing, supplies, and medications to be prepared for any unexpected situations. When arriving at each destination, adjust clothing according to the climate change and keep the body warm to avoid catching a cold and triggering illnesses. Do not remove clothing immediately after sweating. In areas with large temperature differences between day and night, soak feet in hot water before bedtime, cover oneself with a thick blanket when sleeping, and close doors and windows at night when it is windy or raining to prevent catching a chill.
Strengthen safety awareness
Older adults are prone to accidents due to mobility difficulties, unstable gait, and decreased hearing. Therefore, it is best to have family or friends accompany them during the autumn trip for assistance along the way. It is also advisable to use a walking stick to prevent falls and provide support while walking. When traveling by car, choose a seat in the middle and sit comfortably to prevent motion sickness, which can cause nausea and vomiting. Older adults with limited mobility or poor vision should be particularly careful when getting on and off the vehicle, avoiding rushing or crowding to prevent tripping and injuring themselves. Whether on the way or at the destination, older adults should not travel alone to prevent accidents.
Prevent "weather allergies"
During autumn travel, it is important to pay attention to "weather allergies." Symptoms of "weather allergies" mainly include headaches, nausea, insomnia, and irritability (more common in weak elderly women). Therefore, it is necessary to prepare some commonly used medications before departure for emergencies. In addition, autumn is a season prone to pollen allergies. Older adults with allergies need to pay extra attention when going out, wear masks or scarves, and avoid getting close to flowers that may cause allergies. It is best not to pick unknown wild flowers and bring them back or randomly put them in hair.
Do not forget to take medications
Older adults often suffer from various chronic diseases and require medication for treatment (especially those with coronary heart disease, diabetes, asthma, hypertension, etc.). It is important not to forget to take medications during autumn travel, as it may lead to recurrence, worsening, or deterioration of existing conditions. It is also advisable to bring common medications such as cold medicine, anti-diarrhea medicine, digestive medicine, topical analgesic for dampness and pain, and adhesive bandages, in case of any discomfort or accidental injuries, for self-treatment. It is also important to remind older adults traveling alone to carry a contact card with family members' information for emergencies.
