Smart Senior

The holidays are right around the corner. For many of you this means you will be away from home visiting family and friends. My cousin and her husband fly from the Wisconsin to Virginia two-three times a year for family visits, and enjoy RV trips during the summer months. I considered them “seasoned senior travelers.”
They reminded me that creating a safe environment in your own home is one thing, but being careful when you are on the road is another matter altogether. They both emphasized the importance of being aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in regard to stairs and curbs. For them, in the interest of safety, it meant giving up tickets to their much-loved Packer football games, but they continue to travel.
We came up with a few tips to help you navigate the unknown:
• When you enter a room for the first time; scan for potential hazards (throw rugs, pets, toys on the floor, and electrical cords).
• Homes built for young families often have little regard for personal safety. Many have multiple levels as well as a step up or down leading into the living room. Do not attempt to navigate stair steps without a sturdy hand rail.
• Do not tempt fate by wearing socks, stockings, sloppy slippers or fancy dress-up shoes in the house no matter how comfortable they are.
• Dim lighting may come under the category of ambience to some but are a safety hazard for others. Pack a flashlight and even a nightlight or two so that you are never left in the dark.
With a little bit of care, you can continue to enjoy visiting with family and friends no matter where they live. Be mindful of your limitations. Be sure to take advantage of amenities offered by airlines and hotel/motel accommodations and ask for help when in doubt.
Enjoy your holiday. Be a guest and concentrate on taking care of yourself. Drink plenty of fluids, take your medications, and get plenty of rest. Be a guest; they invited you because they wanted your company.