Be Realistic about Your Stamina and Health

It’s never too late to go out and see the world.  But if you suffer from fragile health or various medical complications, don’t overstuff your itinerary with tons of activities.  Make sure you leave plenty of time to get over jet lag, plenty of time to make connecting flights, and plenty of time to rest & relax.    

You’ll also want to purchase easily transportable luggage.  Your bag should be light, mobile, and easy to roll.  All of this is particularly important since many medical tourism destinations are in notoriously hot & humid regions of the world.  You want to make sure that your travel experience is comfortable. 

In addition to stamina, you must also prepare yourself for certain dietary changes and varying hygiene levels: 

Diet

It’s not uncommon for elderly travelers to have sensitive stomachs.  Ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, diarrhea, and constipation are just a few of the more frequent ailments that accompany the "golden years."  Before you run off to India or Thailand to sample their curries, check with your domestic physician to discuss any dietary restrictions you might have to adopt.  Even if you receive the “okay” from your doctor, it’s not a bad idea to visit some "ethnic" restaurants in your neighborhood to help your body become accustomed to the cuisine.

Hygiene

Research the hygiene standards that you’ll face when you go abroad.   

• How much pollution is there?

• How sanitary are the streets?

• How well prepared is the food? 

• Are there any flu epidemics in this region?

• Are you caught up on all of your vaccinations?

The above are concerns that every traveler should consider.  But seniors are often more vulnerable to the dangers of strenuous, international travel.

Make Sure You Have the Proper Type of Help

We typically recommend that all medical tourists take along a companion for maximum safety and enjoyment.  We feel it necessary to reiterate this suggestion for any and all senior travelers.  That’s because elderly tourists are often “perceived” as easier targets by those who prey on vacationers.  Attacks can happen at any time and in any place, but having a companion along can help to minimize their potential.  The same can be said of scams and swindles.  It’s much more difficult to fleece two or more people than it is to cheat just one individual. 

Select a Companion Who Knows First Aid

Depending on your medical history and the type of procedure that you want, it might be a good idea to take someone along who already has first aid experience.  You never know what types of emergencies might crop up, and having somebody who understands CPR, heart attack signs, and other first aid knowledge can prove extremely useful when abroad.  Because certification in first aid isn’t terribly difficult to come by, you might consider paying for your companion’s courses.  The American Red Cross offers courses all over the country, but if you simply Google “first aid certification,” you can find numerous commercial outfits that can provide you with the same type and level of training. 

Select Travel Agents and Tour Operators Who Understand Your Needs

If you book your medical tourism vacation through a travel agent or tour package, make sure you select companies that specialize in senior travel and elderly care.  They will be in a better position to ask the right questions, make the right types of arrangements, accommodate your medical needs, and steer you towards the right types of medical tourism destinations.

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