สำนักราชบัณฑิตยสภา

«“√ “√ √“™∫— ≥±‘µ¬ ∂“π ªï ∑’Ë Ú˜ ©∫— ∫∑’Ë Û °.§.-°.¬. ÚıÙı ª√–‡ √‘ ∞ Õ— — πµ™— ¬ ˜˜˘ Abstract The Elderly and Travel Prasert Assantachai Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand The tourism industry has been promoted in Thailand over the past three decades with consid- erable success as in the year 2000 it generated national income second only to the export of computer parts. The “young old” are seen as potential domestic travelers who are fairly fit for travel, although some may have health problems. It is crucial for older people to prepare themselves correctly and make their journey a memorable time. The common disorders which older people are likely to encounter include motion sickness, jet lag, low oxygen ambient air and low ambient pressure in the flight cabin, heat and humidity, infectious diseases, thromboembolism or “economy class syndrome” and accidents. As far as underlying chronic disease is concerned, the elderly may be liable to wors- ening conditions, e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart diseases, diseases of the paranasal air sinus and middle ear, diabetes mellitus and liver disease. Therefore, the elderly should plan their journey in detail as much as possible. They should also consult their physicians in view of their physical fitness and, according to their itinerary, carry a summary of their medical records throughout the journey as well as any medicine they may be taking. Studying information about the destination’s climate, environment and the way of life of the local people is also essential for the adaptation of the elderly. In addition, they should inform airline personnel beforehand should they have any special requirements, e.g. supplemental oxygen, diabetic diet, the use of medical aids and appliances, etc. In case of an emergency, there are limited choices for the elderly to choose medical care in foreign countries. Having health insurance coverage during travel is an appropriate way to control expenditures as well as to maintain peace of mind. Key words : travel medicine, elderly