The bags are packed, the thermostat is turned down, and you are ready to trade the cold wind off Lake Darling for some Arizona or Florida sunshine.
Whether you’re heading south to escape the Douglas County freeze, visiting grandkids, or taking that bucket-list trip, travel is one of the best parts of retirement.
But, let’s be honest, sitting in the car on I-94, waiting in airports, and sleeping in strange beds can be tough on the joints.
You want to arrive ready to hit the pickleball courts, not feeling stiff and exhausted. Here are five simple strategies from your friends at the Alexandria Area YMCA to keep you moving.
1. Follow the "Two-Hour Rule."
If you are driving a long distance, make a goal to stop every two hours.
Don't just fill the gas tank. Get out, walk around the parking lot, and do the heel raises you learned in your latest Stay Fit class. These breaks prevent stiffness and keep your reaction times sharp for the busy highway traffic.
2. Carry-On Your Meds
We’ve all heard the horror stories. You fly out of Minneapolis, but like Kevin McCallister, your bag gets lost in New York. If your daily meds are in that checked bag, you are in big trouble.
Keep your prescriptions in your carry-on bag. It’s also smart to have a list of your doctors handy, just in case.
3. Skip the Gas Station Junk Food
Road trips are notorious for bad diets. But a sugar crash halfway through is going to tank your energy.
Before you leave Alexandria, pack a cooler with high-protein snacks like unsalted nuts, cheese sticks, or low-sugar protein bars. Your blood sugar will thank you.
4. Hydrate
No, that extra cup of coffee before you hit the road doesn't count as water! Airplane cabins and long car rides are incredibly drying.
Dehydration makes jet lag and fatigue feel twice as heavy. Bring your reusable water bottle, and fill it up after you get through security.
5. Respect the Shoes
If you are planning to walk around a new city, now is not the time to break in those fancy loafers you got for Christmas.
Wear the broken-in, supportive walking shoes you wear on the track here at the Y. Falls are the number one enemy for active seniors, and stability starts from the shoes up.
Safe Travels from all of us at the Y!