Adventures Beyond 50

Highlights:

• The bottom line is that it’s inactivity, not aging, that dooms one to declines in muscle mass, endurance, and strength.
• Record and carry the names (including generic versions) of any medications you're taking, including the doses, delivery method and how and when you take them.
• Seniors are at an increases risk of developing deep venous thrombosis, DVT, especially individuals over 60.

Some researchers recommend committing 1-2 hours per day, 3 times a week, to high intensity training in the sport you want to compete in, plus strength workouts and less intense training on other days. It’s true that exercise gets harder as people age, which relentlessly challenges one’s discipline and commitment. But following this regime can transform almost any senior into a competitive master’s level athlete in 1-2 years, even in a new sport.

The bottom line is that it’s inactivity, not aging, that dooms one to declines in muscle mass, endurance and strength.

Additional Pre-Flight Travel Advice

Record and carry the names (including generic versions) of any medications you're taking, including the doses, delivery method and how and when you take them. Make sure your traveling companions have easy access to the information, along with your emergency contact person.

Pack enough medicine for the entire trip and for a few days extra in case of travel delays. Leave these in their original containers. Declare any medical exceptions to the liquid or 3-1-1 rule.

In-Flight Concerns

Jet lag can affect everyone and some seniors may also have a hard time recovering from it. Stay hydrated, get up and move, adjust to time changes and follow all of the other tips recommended in the section on jet lag.

Avoid wearing tight clothing while traveling.

Seniors are at an increased risk of developing deep venous thrombosis, DVT, especially individuals over 60. Higher risk factors are associated with certain medical conditions including poor circulation, having a heart attack, obesity and inflammatory diseases.

Protect yourself against DVT by getting up, moving around and stretching. Wearing compression socks can help the prevention DVT.

Sit with your legs together, not crossed at the knee or ankles. Squeeze and relax the muscles in the legs and move your entire body around frequently. Do ankle circles, flex and point your feet and wiggle your toes often.

Post-Flight

Share your travel plans, avoid dark areas by yourself in unknown places and consider supplemental issue in case of an injury or emergency.

ACSM American College of Sports Medicine and AHA American Heart Association provide additional information for boomer travelers.