Travel News for Old Timers
- Don't Take Pain Along on Your Next Trip

When we 'old timers' reach retirement age a lot of our attention turns to doing things we weren't able to enjoy while we were working. And one of the most popular activities for us is travel. Whether it's purchasing an RV and touring America or just getting away for a few weeks on a cruise, more and more seniors are refusing to sit idle around the house during their golden years.

But when vacationing, many seniors suffer injuries or become overwhelmed by aches and pains that ruin an otherwise fun trip. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the most common injuries are to the back, neck and shoulders. And most of these injuries can be traced back to the mismanagement of heavy or over-packed luggage.

It's tempting to pull out those mammoth bags you've used in the past, stuff them to the point of bursting and then be on your way. But according to the AAOS, carrying and lifting heavy luggage can strain your bones, muscles and joints. Packing light is the way to go. Frank B. Kelly, MD, orthopaedic surgeon, and chair of AAOS' Board of Councilors says, "to minimize orthopaedic injuries, bend at the knees and lift luggage with your leg muscles -- not your back and waist -- and avoid twisting or rotating your spine."

Although it might seem like an inconvenience at the outset, tt's better for you to carry a lot of smaller, lighter bags than to try and drag around one or two heavy ones. If you have to, go out and buy some new luggage that will make your packing easier and less of a strain.

In addition, the AAOS offers these tips to help you get your vacation off on the right foot.

• Buy sturdy luggage that's easy to transport, preferably the kind with the wheels built in.
• Check the luggage's weight before you buy. If it's too heavy now, think how it'll be once it's fully packed.
• Pack lightly and use more bags if you have to. Cramming everything in to one bag might help save space in the car, but you'll pay for it in the long run if you get hurt or have trouble lifting it.
• The proper way to lift luggage is to stand along side of the bag, bend at the knees (not the waist), grab the handle and stand up straight. This makes your legs do the heavy lifting. And it's good advice. Your legs are the biggest muscles in your body so put them to good use.
• When you're carrying your bags, try to avoid twisting around. This puts tremendous strain on the back. If you have to turn, point your toes in the direction you're headed and then turn your body in that direction.
• Don't try to be a superhero. If you find something too heavy, swallow your pride and ask for help.
• Sitting in seats for long periods of time can cause your body to become stressed and tense. Your spine is naturally in an S shape. Use rolled up pillows or blankets to help maintain that shape when sitting.
• If you have to be in your seat for more than an hour, get up and take a short walk if possible. This can help avoid cramps and joint stiffness. If you can't get up and walk, vary your position. Give yourself a leg massage (or better yet get your spouse to do it for you).
• Shrug your shoulders up and down and gently stretch your neck by moving it side to side.
• If you're driving, make sure your seat is properly positioned so you’re not straining to reach the pedals or the steering wheel, especially when going on long trips. If you find yourself getting fatigued, stop and stretch to get your circulation moving.

Remember, the whole point of travel is to get away and have fun, but since it’s something out of your normal routine, taking some precautions at the beginning and using some common sense will help you to have a fun time instead of a painful one.