Travel health products for seniors on the move
Oh, for the days of carefree travel in those younger years. Throw a clean T-shirt and toothbrush in your backpack and you were good to go.
Seniors may not be able to travel that simply nowadays, but they can still drive, fly and cruise with much less hassle. The travel goods industry has responded to the graying of the travel population by developing lightweight, easy-to-use products that take into consideration physical strength, security and medical needs.
I’ve asked Ron Levine of UnitedLuggageDealers.com to select some products that seniors or those with other health issues will find helpful.
Here are seven recommended:
Flex Gel Memory Foam Seat Cushion
Airline seats aren’t getting any more comfortable. But seat cushions are often a pain to travel with and keep track of. Just ask anyone who’s left their cushion in the gate area or the airport lounge.
The Flex Gel Memory Foam Seat Cushion folds up into a convenient size when you’re ready to get up and go. You can even snap the handle onto your suitcase. About $35
Sockwell Compression Socks
Sitting for a long time, besides being uncomfortable, can be hazardous to your health. Many doctors recommend compression socks to minimize swelling, reduce leg fatigue and lower the chances of blood clots.
That doesn’t mean they have to be ugly. Sockwell Compression Socks for men and women come in a variety of styles and colors. They also feature a cushioned sole, arch support and seamless toe, so your feet will like them, too. About $30 a pair
Victorinox Lightweight Hardside Carry-On
At only 6.4 pounds, this right-sized suitcase easily fits inside overhead storage and is easier to lift than other suitcase models. It provides effortless maneuverability, no matter the load inside, and comes equipped with an expansion system to stretch your packing space.
It also includes a zippered anti-scratch pocket to safely store your electronic devices and a built-in lock. About $425
FRIO Case Large Pen Insulin/GLP-1 Wallet
More medications are coming as injectables these days. Keep them safe in this insulated wallet that cools without any need for an ice pack. The cooling properties come from the evaporation of water and keep its low temperatures for over two days, even in challenging environments.
It protects up to five medication pens or six 10ml vials of insulin and syringes. About $37
Baggallini Anti-Theft Bag
This gender-neutral crossbody bag keeps your necessities organized and safe. It features slash resistant panels, a double-cable cut-resistant strap, locking zippers and RFID-protection.
It also has a pocket for your passport and a grommet so you can plug in or charge your phone without opening it. And all of this comes in a convenient 5.25 inches by 7.5 inches. $70-$110
Secrid RFID Wallet
Its slim profile makes this wallet perfectly into every pocket. The open exterior is cut extra wide to hold cards, banknotes and receipts. The card protector mechanism allows you to slide out cards with one simple motion, while the aluminum casing protects your cards from bending, breaking and unwanted wireless communication. About $110
Talus Smooth Trip SafeGuard Medication Organizer
Organizing medications for travel can be a challenge. This lockable, slash-resistant Talus organizer secures your medications while keeping them accessible in your carry-on or travel bag.
Its eight elastic straps hold bottles and tubes. There are zippered mesh compartments and eight BPA-free pill pockets. About $25
You can find these items and more at Irv’s Luggage in Vernon Hills. They are also available at independent travel goods retailers online.
• Teri (Dreher) Frykenberg is a registered nurse and board-certified patient advocate. She is the author of several books on advocacy and founder of Nurse Advocate Entrepreneur, which equips medical professionals with the knowledge and skills to start their own advocacy businesses. Contact her at Teri@NurseAdvocateEntrepreneur.com.