5 Tips on How Elderly Travellers Can Manage Motion Sickness

Motion sickness, characterised by nausea, dizziness, and discomfort, can affect individuals of any age, but it can be particularly challenging for elderly travellers. As people age, their bodies may become more sensitive to motion, making journeys by car, plane, boat, or train daunting. However, with the right strategies and preparations, elderly travellers can significantly alleviate or even prevent motion sickness. Here are five valuable tips to help elderly travellers can manage motion sickness while embarking on their travel adventures.

Plan Ahead and Choose the Right Seat

When travelling, especially by car or bus, the seating position is pivotal in managing motion sickness. Elderly travellers should opt for seats where motion is minimised, such as the front seat of a car or the middle of a bus over the rear seats. In aeroplanes, choose seats over the wings where the motion is less noticeable. Additionally, booking seats with windows helps provide a fixed reference point, allowing the brain to better adjust to movements, thereby reducing feelings of nausea.

Take Breaks and Practice Relaxation Techniques

Frequent breaks during travel can significantly help alleviate motion sickness symptoms for elderly individuals. When on a long journey, make a point to stop every hour or so to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Moreover, practising relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or listening to calming music can aid in reducing anxiety and preventing motion sickness. Encourage the elderly traveller to find a relaxation method that works best for them and incorporate it into their travel routine.

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Monitor Diet and Hydration

Maintaining proper nutrition and hydration levels can be vital in managing motion sickness. Elderly travellers should avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy meals before embarking on a trip, as these foods can exacerbate feelings of nausea. Opt for light, easily digestible snacks and meals. Staying hydrated is also crucial, so sipping water throughout the journey is advisable. Ginger-based products, like ginger candies or ginger tea, are known for their anti-nausea properties and can be beneficial in preventing motion sickness.

Use Medications or Natural Remedies

For some elderly travellers, over-the-counter or prescription medications may be necessary to manage motion sickness effectively. Anti-motion sickness medications, such as dimenhydrinate or meclizine, can be taken as a preventive measure before the journey. However, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using any medication, especially considering potential interactions with other medications the traveller might be taking. Additionally, natural remedies like acupressure wristbands or essential oils such as peppermint or lavender offer relief for some individuals without the side effects of medications.

Distraction and Focus Techniques

Distraction techniques can be a powerful tool in managing motion sickness. Encourage elderly travellers to engage in activities that divert their attention from the motion, such as listening to audiobooks, playing games, or engaging in conversation. Focusing on a distant, fixed point, such as the horizon, can also help reduce feelings of nausea by providing a stable visual reference. Bringing along a favourite book, puzzle, or other enjoyable activities can aid in shifting the focus away from discomfort.