Seniors Site

When you travel a lot, you know how important a reliable suitcase is. Double that if you are a senior nursing a bad hip from all those sitting you’ve been doing during the trip, then you are suddenly thrown upright, expected to walk briskly and standing like a man fresh out from a human evolution chart. A perfect suitcase will help you manage hip ache, walking briskly and upright and best of all, WITH your stuff just right alongside with you.
Of course, anything that could weigh you down is out of the question. That includes big carryalls, backpacks and duffels. These are only for the young ones, those who are capable of lugging around bags with ease and confidence however if you are already past 70, better not to risk it.
· Choose one with wheels. Sturdy, good wheels. In all honesty, I’ve had embarrassing trolley bags experiences: wheels come popping out of their shells while navigating a very polished airport floor, or that one time a wheel got stuck sideway and it wouldn’t swivel so I ended up half dragging the suitcase allthroughout the trip. The reason? It is because I bought cheaper brands instead of investing on a good, well-known but expensive brand. In the end, I shelled out double – almost triple – the amount I should have if I bought the expensive one in the first place. The reason why they are expensive is that their trolleys are well-thought of and designed to last a lifetime. There’s a little engineering in these suitecases that’s why they cost more. Go for four wheels instead of two and look for inline skate wheels – the ones found in a rollerblades? – for better rotation.
· Durability – wheeled and unwheeled. For seniors who are fierce followers of unwheeled bags – some of my friends claim that it is sooo inconvenient to “drag” trolley bags and they are more comfortable bringing unwheeled to trips with them – make sure that the material of the bag is sturdy and won’t easily rip especially around the zipper area where the pressure is concentrated the most. Go for Ballistic and Cordura nylons since they are the most durable and lightweight these days.
· Waterproof. You just don’t know what kind of mishaps you’ll meet along the way so better comeprepared. It is not unusual for the weather to suddenly decide on a downpour in the middle of summer just to get you and your stuff wet and sorry. Check your suitcases if they are weatherproof, or at the very least, waterproof – it should be indicated in its tag. Your suitcase could be waterproof ONLY in the inside which is okay too.
· Lightweight and compact. If your suitcase feels like it is the one dragging you then it’s time to dump it. Your suitcase should be able to fit in a small space as much as possible and should be really comfortable rolling around with.
· Warranty. One thing you should really check when buying a suitcase is the warranty it comes with. Lifetime warranties are okay and it should include “transport damage” since this is where real action happens.

Holidays are a great time for travelling! That’s also the reason why holidays are always considered as “peak season” by travelers. It must be because it is the only time when everybody is not working, making it the best time to catch up with one another. However, pitstops are to be expected and quite frankly, a trip without a slight bump is not really memorable right? On the other hand, “slight bumps” while travelling should be kept at minimum, so for seniors who are thinking of travelling during holidays, here are some more practical travel tips for you:
· Avoid the road during peak hours. Or flying during peak hours. If you want smooth and traffic-less travel – which shortens your travel time too, make sure that you don’t fly or drive during peak hours, or days. The times/days you need to observe are usually two-three days before the “big days” a.k.a Christmas day and New Year’s day. If these are the only days you could fly then better to fly on the “big day” itself as the travelers are already in their destinations by that time and you’ll have the road/airport all to yourself. Take note too of the day to two after the “big day” since this is the time the travelers are usually packing and going back home.
· Make the most out of your devices. Before you leave, make sure that your mobile devices are all charged up and ready for the trip. Your mobile phone, iPad, laptop and navigator can be your most valuable weapon when on the road. Your mobile phone, no matter how old or new its model is, will connect you to the rest of the world when need be. iPads or/and other tablet computers have applications that are fun to use, at the same time, will help you find your way in and out even of tiniest streets. Laptops, of course, are very handy when you need to get some work done while on vacation so you don’t have to worry about them anymore. Navigators are of course, very valuable when planning your best routes to and fro destinations.
· Minimize your load. If you are visiting family, surely you could do your laundry while staying at their house. This, of course, will definitely lessen the clothes to bring. If you are planning to distribute gifts while there, better to have them delivered ahead of you instead of carrying the gifts with you. Most online shops offer free delivery on purchase so you don’t have to worry about the cost.
· Check out alternative routes. Expect the roads to be clogged this time of the year. To save you from burning your own bottom sitting inside the car for hours, with your tablet computer or navigator – even a map would do – check out back roads and discover hidden gems along the way!

For me, the greatest invention ever for the mobility challenged seniors would be the chair with wheels or wheelchairs, electric and otherwise. These mobility aids do help seniors who experience difficulty in walking and getting around in and out of the house. It also helps caregivers a lot in terms of getting their seniors to and fro destinations especially if they are used to the said device. Nowadays, even the “not-so” mobility challenged ones find benefits from using wheelchairs. A dear friend of mine just bought a stylish mobility scooter for himself in case his arthritis attack gets bad. Since he insists on living on his own and staying single, mobility scooter must be the most sensible solution to his problem. He can walk fine on a normal day, by the way, and he sheepishly admitted that sometimes he ride his scooter just for the fun of it. I would too, if you ask me.

Anyway, while mobility scooter looks like the best choice for wheelchairs, some seniors are still considering manual wheelchairs over electrical ones. Of course, if price is to be considered, manual wheelchairs are cheaper than their electric counterparts but there are also manual ones that are quite pricey especially if they were specially made to suit a certain need of the rider. Manual wheelchairs have been around for quite some time now, even dating back as far as the twentieth century which more or less, makes its design more dependable. Basically, manual wheelchairs should be durable but at the same time lightweight. As for the design, manual wheelchairs can have handrails so the senior riding it can better navigate the chair by themselves. Do note that a type of wheelchair called transport chair doesn’t have handrails since they are designed to be pushed from behind. Transport chairs are for those who can no longer operate their wheelchairs on their own. Manual wheelchairs are foldable too which make them more appealing to caregivers.

On the other hand, mobility scooters are the rave nowadays as they are very comfortable for the rider, not to mention, stylish. It somehow exudes the feeling of in-control rather than incapacitated. However, it is expected to be more expensive than manual ones – way expensive, that some seniors don’t see any sense in getting one for themselves. Mobility scooters are sturdier since it has four to six wheels supporting it and the chair supports your back more effectively. Of course, it is easier to maneuver a mobility scooter than manual wheelchairs because it uses joystick from its armrest.

Years of driving may have put your old self into confidence and comfortability when on the road that it is not impossible to overlook some of the basic safety tips when driving. While road mishaps are still very much rampant, most of it can be avoided – actually almost all of it could be avoided if only the drivers were more cautious of their driving habits. The sad truth though is that many innocent lives were taken just because of such carelessness- accidents that could have been avoided.
Let’s face it, as our own bodies conspire against us and aging takes toll, we are more and more becoming a life threat, not only to ours but to others as well. Below are some of the most practical tips to maintain safety on the road, even if you are already a senior:
· Take breaks whenever your body calls for it. Anytime you feel the need to stop, do so. Not only you are doing yourself a favor but you are preventing an accident from happening as well. Suddenly dizzy? Pull over and let it pass. Acknowledging what your body is trying to tell you is the key to safety on the road.
· Check the weather. Road visibility is very important especially if you are struggling with poor eyesight to begin with. Avoid driving when it’s raining as the roads are probably slippery and considering your reaction time, you might have problems navigating the roads.
· Slow down at night – or not drive at all. The problem with night driving is that it impairs your visibility effectively. Also, headlights coming toward you can cause problems , as they can be blinding.
· Drive with company. Like I always say, 2 pairs of eyes are better than one even if they are both impaired. Your company can be your extra eyes. Also, they are most excellent when you are trying to consult a map or if you need to reach for something while trying. In other words, it will allow to you focus your attention to driving and not anything else.
· Use your signal lights. You know the problem when driving is that you are unable to communicate with other drivers realtime. That is, you cannot possibly say to the one in front of you that you would like for him or her to go a little faster or whatnot so the best thing to do is at least use your signal light to let the driver following you to know where you’re planning to go and prepare him for what comes next.
· Use your brakes wisely. Did you know that the most common cause of vehicle accident is breaking abruptly? This is because drivers don’t expect you to just do that hence they are not prepared to suddenly brake when following you.

Have you noticed how awfully hard public transportation has become for seniors? I personally think that it requires the agility of a 12-year old which obviously I don’t have, thank you very much. The mere act of stepping off a railway platform and into a train proves to be an act worthy of the circus! I don’t know about you but lately when confronted by this dilemma, I usually find myself dizzy and disoriented to even lift my foot, thanks to the ever present shoving teen who always comes running at me from back, I’m not having any problem hurling myself into the train without the benefit of time to think how to actually get in!

Yes, I am ranting. And, yes, I use the public transportation for getting around the city just so I won’t have any problem looking for a parking space. I’m lazy like that. But lately, I’m finding it hard to move around using the public transportation and whether I like it or not, I have to admit, impaired dexterity is not my best friend in situations like this.

If you plan to travel using the public transportation, here are some of the things you might want to remember for a smooth and hassle free ride:
· Make sure all your senses are up and running good. That is, you have to wear your eyeglasses so you can see at once if there is a hazard on your way that may cause you to trip, slip or fall. Also, if you are having a hard time hearing, get yourself fitted with a hearing aid first before you try to commute.
· As much as possible, don’t travel when raining or it has just rained as surely there will be patches of wet and slippery floors and pavements that are sure to cause falls and injuries.
· Keep your hands free from holding anything. If you’re bringing a bag with you, opt to bring sling types which you can just “sling” to your body and not bother holding it anymore. Belt bags and backpack are nice choices too since they allow your hands to be free to grab onto something if you lose balance.
· Stay on the right side at all times. Counterflowing is bad for your health.
· Safety first. At all times! Don’t forget to buckle up at every chance you get. Seat belts were installed to make your ride as safe as possible so better use them.

Despite the crazy weathers we are currently having, we, seniors are still up for a summer of fun and travel. However, due to tough times, there is no way we can get away with yearly cruise and luxury travels, right? We need to get by in between luxury travels with something that is still worthwhile and fun even if it’s cheap. So here is my cheap travel guide for my fellow seniors:
•    Start early. Be on the look out for promos offered during springtime as they are almost always for the summer such as early flight bookings, discount tickets and summer events. Early flight bookings are good since airplane seats that are booked 2-3 months in advance are mostly at discounted rates.
•    Ask around. If you are interested in visiting a resort or a place and would like to know more, you inquire right? You call the front desk and ask for information or you visit their website and browse around. Same thing if you would like to know if they have a summer offer this year, you just have to ask.
•    Befriend a travel agent. What better way to know travel deals than having them directly from inside? Your friendly travel agent is like your personal spy, giving you “inside info” on the best deals in town. By the way, the best of travel deals are almost always last minute so there’s no “planning ahead” involve, it is purely a bit of luck and lots of inside connections.
•    Don’t depend solely on websites. Funny but I find most travel websites not up-to-date therefore if I don’t call up I will definitely miss an opportunity. Better safe than sorry, ring up your planned location and ask.
•    Shop around. For some reason, travel agencies tend to be different with one another in terms of rates and promos offered. I suspect some travel agencies are kind enough to pass their discounts to clients while some don’t, either way it pays to shop around and decide which travel agency to use.
•    Ask about your senior discount. Never forget the power of your age, that is, your power to haggle your way around! Senior discount is mandated by law. It is required, so you don’t have to be ashamed of your age instead, flaunt it.
•    Travel in groups. Traveling with a group is fun as you get to meet other people and spend time with them. Also, group travels are often offered in reduced rates saving you and your group some money. Best of all, there is added security when traveling in groups.

Your long-time dream of a roadtrip, but has been put off numerous times, is now made possible by bus companies vying for your attention. Seniors now have the option to travel by bus or by plane and for those skeptical about it, worrying that they will only end up sore and bored in a bus, worry no more as buses and couches are now designed to make your long travels as comfortable as possible.

Think leather seats and stable wifi connection, you don’t get that from a plane ride except if you are willing to pay extra. On the other hand, these things come cheaply when opting to take the bus. Plus, you can get off a bus anytime you want. Obviously, you can’t do that when aboard planes unless you want to do some skydiving.

Traveling by bus is economical. Aside from that it also has many advantages over riding a plane or even embarking on a roadtrip using your own car. The bus knows the best routes to take to avoid delays and surely it knows where it’s going. There’s no question about it being budget-friendly and safe. Below are some points to make your long-distance bus drive more worthwhile:

•    Join tours. If you are visiting a city and it is your first time, you might as well join bus tours as it is organized and your destinations charted. You don’t need to plan your stops or request the driver to make a pitstop to the nearest restroom as the organizer will see to it that you get your “pee” time as well as your photo-op.
•    Ask for recommendations. Bus tours are popular nowadays, if you wish to join one and a little hesitant which tours to join, ask for recommendations from friends and families. Also do your own research and inquire around.
•    Remember the ground rules. Yes, most buses have their own restroom on board but it is used only for emergency situations. The best thing to do before you ride a bus is make sure your bladder will hold until the next stop.
•    Ask about rotating seats. Bus tours often make their passengers rotate seats. This is done to maximize passenger experience by meeting and seating with new people during the tour. If you are not comfortable with this or if traveling with a partner, just let your guide know.
•    Check promos. Aside from your standard senior discount, some bus companies offer discounts and promos which you can avail of. Midweek discounts and ahead of time bookings are just some offered.
•    Book your seat ahead of time. This way you won’t have to deal with last minute hassles and delays.

I can still remember the day when I found myself cringing to every turn and sharp exits my mom made, she was 70+ years old then. That was also the day I firmly put my foot down and made her surrender the keys. Fortunately for me, she was more than ready to do so and was just too proud to ask to be driven around. I was ready for a bout of tantrums from her and actually found myself disappointed as I wasn’t able to do what I had been practicing all along.

Now, it’s my turn apparently. My son has been hinting and I’m not insensitive to such suggestions however, in my case, surrendering the key is out of the question. I still have kids to drive around and elderly parents who always need a lift to and fro their doctors, plus there’s nobody to take over the job if and when I decided to give up driving. And, no, I’m not quite ready yet.

So I snooped around, primarily to find something to convince my son that my driving is not at all, a threat to humankind, I just need to consult my eye doctor for new prescription glasses, that’s all. And yes, to convince myself too that I am still fit to drive.

First off, experts suggest that you do a self-assessment. This means you should test your responses when driving. Were you able to maintain an adequate speed without feeling pressured or indeed dizzy? Were you NOT squinting just to see road signs and exit marks? Were you NOT easily confused when driving such that the gas and brake pedals become one big blur? If you think you won’t be able to give a truthful judgment, then have someone ride with you and tell you the truth. Below are some more indicators to know if you are still fit to drive:

•    Are you having difficulties with your seatbelt? Fastening and adjusting it can be tricky. If you’re having difficulty with it then you are putting yourself in great risk.
•    Have you been missing traffic signs and signals? This is bad as the driving population depends on these lights. Missing one can put you and everybody else in danger.
•    Slow reaction time. This one you cannot determine by yourself. You need someone to ride with you and tell you so.
•    Too many cars honking their horns.. at you. This is their way of telling you that you’re blocking their way.
•    You find yourself involved in one too many collisions this year. Then you are really a threat to mankind.

For a senior like me who has families and friends scattered all over the world, traveling must be the best part of the holiday season. Not only you get to go out and leave problems for a while but also you get to see your beloved ones as well as those new additions to the family such as grandchildren and pets. Of course, spending time with them, no matter how short the amount of time will be, highlights the season and make you look forward to next however, traveling still requires seniors some protocol to follow. Not following them will surely bring about delays which you, I’m sure, wouldn’t want to bump into.

Airport security people are merely doing their job, that is to ensure our safety while onboard. It is us passengers and travelers who should be following rules for a smooth and hassle-free travels. As a reminder to passengers, TSA or Transportation Security Administration updates their website on a regular basis. For more information on how to travel safely this holiday season, check out their website.

On the other hand, below are some helpful tips for Air travelers this holiday season:

•    Avoid pat-downs. Pat-downs only happen when you triggered an alarm in checkpoints. It also occurs when a passenger refuse to be screened. Pat-downs are basically frisking by an authority to search for prohibited items. To avoid triggering an alarm, it is best to empty your pockets before going through a checkpoint.
•    Provide necessary information for TSA’s Secure Flight program. By doing so, you avoid misidentification. Secure Flight program aims to identify questionable personalities before they board a plane thus decreasing the chances of breaching air security.
•    Stay connected. There are many ways you can be informed even if you are already on your way to the airport. Laptops and handy tablet computers can get you connected to your airline’s website as well as your airport’s—your mobile phone can do that too.
•    Never hand-carry your liquids, gels and aerosols since liquid explosives are still considered as a threat by TSA. To minimize the possibility of a delay, it is best to not bring them at all especially if you can buy them at your destination.
•    Use family lanes if you really need to bring liquids and medications with you. Officers in charge of these lanes ensure a more leisurely pace when inspecting your baggage and during inspection.
•    Bring gifts unwrapped. You can wrap them upon landing anyway. An officer may ask you to open wrapped gifts to be inspected thus causing delay. By not wrapping them at all, the officer will not have a reason to flag your package down.

Going on a cruise indeed highlights your retirement life. In fact, it’s every American’s dream to join one even those who are not yet—or still far from—retiring. However, due to time constraints and of course, budget, going on a cruise remains to be a thing you do after you retire from the workforce. Problem is, cruising this late in life usually puts seniors in greater risk especially in terms of their safety and well-being.
We most probably have heard about several horror stories associated with cruising such as disappearances and violence while on board which got us thinking if going on a cruise is still safe for seniors. To appease your troubled mind, most of these reported incidents did not occur onboard so it is safe to say you don’t have to worry while you’re inside the ship sailing. Going off it, however, is a different story.
Here are some tips on how to stay safe while on a cruise, and of course, be able to enjoy the ride!
•    Keep your valuables with you at all times, on and off ship. These would be your documents, medications, spending money and whatnot. Invest in a good, sturdy cross body bags or messenger bags—light and convenient enough to be carried anywhere.
•    Cruise ships have safe boxes. Please use them as you already paid for it the minute you signed up for the cruise. Safe boxes are provided so that you will have a place for your other valuables which you don’t have an urgent need at the moment.
•    Keep in touch with those you left behind. Call them, email them, just make sure you stay connected during the whole trip. If you have no intentions of hooking up with a fellow cruiser and getting caught, perhaps it would be best if you give someone back home your itinerary and where in the world you should be at certain day and hour. This way, it will be easier to track you if and when something happens.
•    Report anything suspicious. Even if it’s fairly safe while inside the ship, you still need to keep your radars up. Anything suspicious and out of place, you report to authorities. Bear in mind that a ship, no matter how big it is, can be a very small place for con artists, scammers and unscrupulous people to find you—or the frail lady next door.
•    Avoid unfamiliar places. That includes someone else’s room or darker parts of the ship. Always be where people are and never wander alone.