CITIES SERVED Agency, Amazonia, Amity, Avondale, Belton, Birmingham, Blue Springs, Bolckow, Buckner, Camden Point, Cameron, Clarksdale, Claycomo, Cleveland, Cosby, Crystal Lakes, De Kalb, Dearborn, Easton, Edgerton, Elmira, Excelsior Estates, Excelsior Springs, Farley, Faucett, Ferrelview, Fort Osage, Gladstone, Gower, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Guilford, Helena, Hemple, Holt, Homestead Village, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City, Kansas City North, Kearney, King City, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lathrop, Lawson, Lees Summit, Liberty, Martin City, Maysville, Mc Fall, McFall, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview, Orrick, Osborn, Paradise, Parkville, Pattonsburg, Peculiar, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Valley, Randolph, Raymore, Raytown, Rea, Riverside, Rosendale, Rushville, Saint Joseph, Savannah, Sibley, Smithville, Stewartsville, Sugar Creek, Taos, Tracy, Trimble, Turney, Union Star, Unity Village, Village of Oakview, Weatherby, Weatherby Lake, West Line, Weston, Winthrop, Wood Heights

Zip Codes Served 64012, 64014, 64015, 64016, 64018, 64024, 64028, 64029, 64030, 64034, 64048, 64050, 64052, 64053, 64054, 64055, 64056, 64057, 64058, 64060, 64062, 64063, 64064, 64068, 64075, 64077, 64078, 64079, 64081, 64082, 64083, 64086, 64088, 64089, 64098, 64101, 64102, 64105, 64106, 64108, 64109, 64110, 64111, 64112, 64113, 64114, 64116, 64117, 64118, 64119, 64120, 64123, 64124, 64125, 64126, 64127, 64128, 64129, 64130, 64131, 64132, 64133, 64134, 64136, 64137, 64138, 64139, 64145, 64146, 64147, 64149, 64150, 64151, 64152, 64153, 64154, 64155, 64156, 64157, 64158, 64161, 64163, 64164, 64165, 64166, 64167, 64401, 64421, 64422, 64427, 64429, 64430, 64436, 64439, 64440, 64443, 64444, 64448, 64454, 64457, 64459, 64463, 64465, 64469, 64474, 64477, 64480, 64483, 64484, 64485, 64490, 64492, 64493, 64494, 64497, 64501, 64503, 64504, 64505, 64506, 64507, 64657, 64670, 64734, 66002, 66027, 66090, 66101, 66102, 66104, 66115

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Considerations for Safe and Enjoyable Senior Traveling     

By Kerri Dean

Memorial Day is just around the corner and to many of us, that means the kick off of summer-warmer weather, picnics, no school and of course family vacations!   More than one third of Americans travel in the summer.  Summer vacations are not just for the young, but also the young at heart!  When planning a trip with elderly loved ones, there are plenty of travel tips as well as senior friendly destinations.  We decided to look into both of these areas and found plenty of useful suggestions.

There are a number of fun and affordable destinations that are senior-friendly right here in the U.S.  Alaska-The Last Frontier, Boston’s Freedom Trail, Branson, Missouri, Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, Maryland’s eastern shore, Death Valley National Park in California and Niagara Falls, just to name a few.

Once the destination is chosen, it is time to start planning.  For any traveler, there are many items on their checklist to consider.  This is especially true for our elder population.  Here are some areas to consider:

If mobility is an issue, transportation inside the airport should be arranged ahead of time.  With a simple call, a staff member will be on hand to chauffer you around the airport.  Utilizing this service will help avoid missing a flight.

Here is a simple idea, yet probably not something you would think of-wear loose clothing.  This will decrease the chance of a stroke, hypertension and high blood pressure and reduces the risk of blood clots.  It is also suggested to wear comfortable shoes that can be removed easily when going through security.

For many travelers, young and old, having medication readily available is a must.  So, be sure to pack all pertinent medication in carry-on luggage.  Include all information and supplies necessary for the medication and store the medicine in a clear plastic bag.

Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.  Avoid drinks with caffeine as well as alcoholic beverages.  

Arrive at the airport at least one and a half to two hours ahead of time.  This will avoid unneeded stress and anxiety.  Try not to schedule flights with a short window of time to catch a connection.  This could result in rushing from one end of the terminal to another.

Sadly, senior citizens are often victims of mugging and robbery crimes.  Instead of carrying a purse, perhaps Mom should consider a money belt worn under a blouse and Dad should consider keeping his wallet in a front pocket rather than in the back.  Wearing nice jewelry can make someone a target as well, so minimize the bling!

Seniors should know where to go to get medical attention once they reach their destination.  Having a list of hospitals and clinics in close vicinity can be a very useful tool in the case of an emergency.

There are many other helpful tips for senior citizens to follow when travelling.  Doctors, travel agents and airlines can offer more suggestions, or answer questions travelers may have.  Happy traveling!