When you reach your golden years, it’s important to take advantage of all the travel opportunities that are out there. You don’t want to miss out on any of the great experiences life has to offer. Traveling in your golden years can be a lot of fun and offer many amazing experiences. However, it’s important to be mindful of the jet lag that can occur when flying long distances.
Here are some senior travel tips to avoid jet lag and make your golden year’s travel experience as blissful as possible!
Get Plenty of Rest
When planning a trip, many elderly people may forget to consider the jet lag that can occur when traveling across time zones. Jet lag is the result of traveling across time zones and can cause problems with sleep, moods, physical health, and reaction times.
While there is no cure for jet lag, there are things that you can do to reduce its effects. To avoid jet lag, get plenty of rest when you’re traveling. Also, take short flights and keep your travel itinerary flexible so that you can adjust your schedule if necessary.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Jet lag is a condition that occurs when you travel quickly from one plane to another, and the sudden change in altitude causes your body to lose fluids and electrolytes. To prevent jet lag, drink plenty of fluids before boarding your flight and during the flight.
Try to stay well hydrated by drinking water, juice, or soda. You can also eat light snacks like fruits or nuts to keep your energy up. If you experience symptoms of jet lag, such as fatigue, headache, nausea, or dizziness, take ibuprofen or rest until the symptoms go away.
Eat Light Meals
When planning a trip, many people think about the attractions they’ll visit and how long it will take to get there. But few people consider the effect that travel has on their bodies. The main culprit is jet lag, a cramp and pain in the calf muscles that typically occurs after flying. Try to live on light meals while you’re traveling- this will help keep your stomach settled and minimize the chances of getting sick.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
As we age, our bodies naturally begin to decline. This means that when we travel, there’s a greater chance of experiencing jet lag or feeling fatigued from traveling. To avoid these problems, it’s important to limit alcohol and caffeine consumption when flying. The National Sleep Foundation recommends avoiding alcohol three hours before your flight and limiting caffeine consumption to no more than two cups per day. Additionally, try to get enough sleep during your trip – even if you’re sleeping on the plane. By following these tips, you can avoid any negative effects of jet lag while traveling in your golden years.
Bring Along Travel Pillow
For those of us in our golden years, jet lag can be downright miserable. A 2017 study found that people over 60 are twice as likely to experience jet lag as those in their 20s. To avoid this unpleasant travel experience, bring along a travel pillow!
Not only will a pillow help you sleep on long flights, but it can also help you adjust to your new time zone. Plus, a good night’s sleep is crucial when traveling, not only for your physical health but also for your mental well-being. So don’t let jet lag ruin your trip; pack a travel pillow and get some rest!
