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Special requirements: The older traveller

There's a lot to be said for travelling in retirement. Time is your ally, not your enemy, and you can truly relish being on holiday without fretting about work or other commitments back home. The prime concern is health - put it first to minimise mishaps abroad.

The groundwork

Arrange to see your GP or health expert at least a month before your holiday. You may need extra time for a full set of jabs, for instance, or getting extra supplies of a medicine. Ask your doctor about:

Getting a general check-up before your holiday
Prescribing enough medicine, such as insulin, heart or blood pressure pills, for the trip
Which travel jabs and antimalarials are safe for you, if you need them
How heat, humidity or cold weather may affect your health on holiday
And these important considerations:
When to take regular daily medications if you cross a time zone
Whether a medicine will make you less tolerant to heat, sun or humidity abroad
How travel medications may affect an existing condition from which you suffer
Your blood group in case of emergency
Producing a letter listing any conditions from which you suffer
Whether you should take an aspirin before a flight to lower the chance of blood clots

Diabetes

If you have a severe form of diabetes and need to use insulin several times daily, remember to carry supplies in a cool pack and keep syringes in a separate, sealable container. Talk to your GP or health expert about travelling with the condition.

The destination

Pick a holiday spot that suits your fitness level as well as your taste and interests. Make sure you've got travel insurance that covers you for activities as well as emergency medical care and repatriation.

Before you go, investigate the standard of medical and dental care at your destination
Check whether you can get vital medication there, otherwise carry extras
If you plan to go diving remember to get a GP check-up before you go
If you're over 65, ask your tour operator about upper age limits for car hire
Some insurance companies have an upper age limit, check if yours does - especially if it is your birthday while you are away

Useful reminders

If you're going for more than a week, it's worth taking a few spares with you

Get your teeth/dentures checked
Have your eyes tested and carry spare glasses
For remote places, think about a first aid course
Pack a basic first aid kit

Further information

For general information, get a free Health Advice For Travellers booklet from the Department of Health. Call 0800 555 777 (8am-6pm, Monday to Friday).

Department of Health: http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAdviceForTravellers/fs/en

Diabetes UK: http://www.diabetes.org.uk

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