People with cardiovascular diseases such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, or those who suffer heart attack (should not travel until at least 3 mths later - low oxygen onboard) or undergone heart surgery recently, should not travel without doctor's clearance.
Elderly people with lung problems are also advised to seek doctor advise before flying.
Those with acute ear or sinus infections should avoid flying.
Be prepare (especially with people aged 65 and older):
Getting to airport
Getting on a plane
Gathering documents
Security checks
Prepare early
Especially those with health issue before travel.
- Senior should make appointment with doctor for travel medicine advise at least 4 weeks before trip. *Check any immunisation is required.
- Elderly should avoid visiting those countries with recent epidemic or pandemic outbreaks, as they are more prone to infections. If oxygen is required for heart or lung problems, arrange for own supply.
- Senior travellers should always take along their routine medication, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, inhalers for asthmatic. It also good to travel with paracetamol for pain or fever, pills for diarrhoea, motion sickness, and common cold.
- Get international medical coverage in case treatment needed abroad.
On Departure Day
- Pack a small face moisturiser or cream into hand luggage to mitigate the dry and cold air on board.
- Diabetic passengers can also pack a sugary drink or chocolate bar in case of low blood sugar.
- Avoid alcohol before departure as it dehydrates and interferes with sleep.
- Wear special compression stockings to prevent clots forming in the legs, esp those at risk.
- Drink plenty of water and move around often onboard.
Inside the Cabin
In airplane cabin, pressure, oxygen and humidity are low. This means less oxygen is taken up by the blood and gases in body cavities, like sinuses, middle ear gut, lungs, eyes and tooth fillings will expand. When gases in stomach expand, it may cause tummy discomfort, nausea and vomiting. Low oxygen levels may trigger chest pain, heart attack or stroke.
Humidity in cabin is 10 to 20%, compared with 70 to 80% in outdoor Singapore, so eyes, noses and mouths will dry up.
Sit too long in a confined space also raise risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in which dangerous blood clots form in veins deep in legs.
Good to know:
What to pack for a quick trip
What not to pack
Tips for planning vacations
Guide for Travel Insurance
Flying with Elderly - Be prepare
Tips for Self drive holiday
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